They deliver essential services to the community.
They address gaps in healthcare and increase flexibility in the workforce.
They work autonomously and collaboratively to provide holistic, end-to-end care. They are there for you.
They are nurse practitioners!
December 9-15 is Nurse Practitioner Week, a time to highlight the invaluable contributions NPs make in the healthcare workforce every day.
Meet just two of Bendigo Community Health Services’ NPs below.
Peter Strange – Men’s Health Nurse Practitioner
How long have you been a nurse practitioner?
I’ve been an NP for 15 years now.
What’s unique about your role at BCHS?
It enables me to specialise in an area of need, that is men’s health. There are very few Men’s Health clinicians in Australia that are available to provide support for men in both metropolitan and regional areas.
What’s a typical day for you?
I see male clients at our Hargreaves Street site and have long consultations for men with complex and personal needs.
What do you wish people knew about nurse practitioners and their role in patient care?
Nurse practitioners can provide excellent care in a chosen, special area, and use their extended practices – such as prescription of medication and referrals – to enhance outcomes.
How are nurse practitioners leading the change for the future of health care?
Nurse practitioners provide an alternative to care options in what is a very busy industry, and can provide care in diverse environments.
What’s your proudest achievement as a nurse practitioner?
I’m proud of being an advocate for men’s health, there’s much more work that needs to be done in this space.
What would you say to someone thinking about becoming a nurse practitioner…
If you are a passionate nurse and want to make a difference in a chosen area of specialty – just go for it!
Lousie Holland – Nurse Practitioner – Sexual Health Nurse
How long have you been a nurse practitioner?
I completed my Masters in 2019 and have worked for last five years.
What’s unique about your role at BCHS?
I can work autonomously and with our great team at the Sexual and Reproductive Health hub, and headspace. I have also had the privilege of being the first NP in a state funded sexual and reproductive health hub
Something else unique is that I have been able to have continuity of care with clients that I saw as an adolescent many years ago and now I’m supporting their children.
What’s a typical day for you?
Not one day is predictable or the same.
I work regular hours, and I will see people across all spectrums: From puberty issues such as the 12-year-old with painful periods – brought in by a parent worried that they had the same and want more for their child to providing comprehensive contraception information and management, such as prescribing the oral contraception pill, or removing and or inserting LARCs – Implanons or IUDs. Our hub is a major health service that supports women through the decision making of an earlier than expected pregnancy – my role can include supporting to navigate the health systems and being able to order investigations such as blood tests and ultrasounds and prescribing medication or referring to other services.
I also see many people who identify as LGBTQIA+ and help them connect to the networks available and support all sexual and reproductive health care.
Something else that I do is see many women as they transition through midlife and menopause – my greatest capacity is to listen and provide information for people to become knowledgeable and to be able to make informed choices.
I have a particular interest in viral hepatitis B and C and can support people with testing and investigations and treatment and cure of hepatitis C.
What do you wish people knew about nurse practitioners and their role in patient care?
I think the main barrier is the lack of general knowledge in the community that nurse practitioners – through our endorsement program – have to be senior nurses who have worked at an advanced level of nursing for a long time and that this experience is the framework for the nurse practitioner to become even more experienced as an autonomous practitioner.
How are nurse practitioners leading the change for the future of health care?
Nurse practitioners are facilitating roles where the “nursing” component is critical. Roles where education and listening, as well as offering different options and looking after the whole family or the couple are areas where nurse practitioners excel.
NPs are in rural and remote areas where they live and work and know their community. We are also in large teams in large hospitals and work side by side with specialists to enhance a person’s health journey. We’re everywhere!
What’s your proudest achievement as a nurse practitioner?
That’s easy – it is where I am now – working in an agency that has supported me for over 20 years to continue my professional journey. It has meant that I am able to support and care for those in our community. I love the teamwork; I wholeheartedly advocate for nurses as the leading clinicians in sexual and reproductive health in our region, if the nurses did not want to do it – it would not get done!
What would you say to someone thinking about becoming a nurse practitioner…
The journey is one of commitment and dedication; the timing in a nurse’s journey is critical. There is much juggling in your life, so plan, ask and then get support. It is a nurse practitioner’s experiences and support that ensure the success of each student. At the end of the day – the opportunities are there – nurses are always brave and this too takes courage.
