More than 400 nurses are employed at general practices across our region, providing quality treatment and care to those who get sick.
Their challenging but rewarding work of primary care will be celebrated across South Western Sydney tomorrow on International Nurses Day, Friday, May 12.
International Nurses Day is held each year on the birthday of the founder of modern nursing, Florence Nightingale. It acknowledges the dedication, compassion and professionalism of nurses everywhere.
But why do some people choose nursing as a career, what their role is all about on a day to day basis, and what do they best enjoy about being modern day Florence Nightingales?
Here’s what some of our nurses said:
Elise Janson from Harrington Park Medical Centre said there were many benefits to becoming a practice nurse.
“We as a team go through highs and lows with patients and their families. The rapport and relationships built can be super rewarding,’’ Ms Janson said.
“Practice nursing for me is what you make of it. I contribute to clinical outcomes by educating patients with their care needs, promoting safer scenarios for their overall health, applying complete transparency regarding their health, effectively communicating and ensuring my clinical competency is up to date with the latest literature.”
Rebecca Cade, from Macarthur General Practice at Campbelltown is responsible for the development of their nurse-led clinics, ensuring the skills and experience of staff were being fully utilised.
“Utilising our nurses in nurse-led clinics provides our patients with the opportunity to receive a comprehensive assessment, a tailored treatment plan and education in relation to a particular aspect of their health (for example, osteoporosis),’’ Ms Cade said.
“The clinics not only empower patients with the knowledge needed to manage their health condition but frees up our GPs for patients with concerns that cannot be addressed by the practice nurse.”
Jessie Beresford, practice nurse, clinic owner/manager at The Practice at Bundanoon, said her main joy was the therapeutic relationship which could be achieved through a kind and informative clinical relationship.
“This enables and promotes trust and, in our experience, engages the patient to achieve a better health outcome, especially for chronic health management. It’s so great when we see patients achieving their health goals,’’ she said.
The huge difference practice nurses make to the health of our community could not be overstated, says South Western Sydney Primary Health Network (SWSPHN) chief executive officer Keith McDonald.
“The knowledge and skills needed to be a nurse in primary care is vast,” he said.
“Nurses can be responsible for everything from excisions and immunisations to liaising with allied health teams and educating their patients.
“International Nurses Day is an important opportunity to ensure that contribution, their skills and empathy, are recognised.”
Pictured above are SWSPHN clinical support coordinator Kristina Allen with clinical and quality improvement officer, Lisa Cerruto.
The pair work closely with nurses across the region.
Mrs Allen said the role of a practice nurse required many skills to help with different areas of healthcare.
“Nurses work collaboratively with doctors and pharmacists to keep up with disease management, referrals or acute illnesses,” she said.
“Nurses can also empower their patients and their families with knowledge. We can help our patient to understand their disease process and the plan of care – it is an awesome feeling.
“Nurses can bring understanding and peace during what can be a confusing or challenging time.’’
Mrs Allen said practice nurses differed from other areas of nursing, as they handled such a diverse set of circumstances daily.
“Essentially, a practice nurse is an all-rounder in a general practice setting,” she said.
Mrs Cerruto said she loved the versatility of nursing and the opportunities to evolve and grow across a range of different clinical fields.
“You never know what the day or situation may bring so it challenges you to always be thinking of a solution to help, whether it be a skin tear, helping bring a new life into the world, or helping one pass from it,” she said.
“Nursing is a career in which you will never stop learning and growing. That is why I love being a nurse.”
