inspired by 2 fantastic practice nurses

This week started off with the release of the Interim Report from the National Hospital and Health Reform Commission on Monday. We were contacted by the Health Ministers office before the release to remind us that this was an interim report not the final report - obviously there was going to be something in it we did not like. There was much we did like but yes - nurse practitioner access to PBS and MBS for referral for pathology etc was going to be restricted to remote and some rural areas. And they were recommending that the 'for and on behalf of' the GP remain in the funding models. we have a number of members doing their nurse practitioner training and they are more than likely not in the proposed areas although many have been encouraged by their Gps to undertake this training due to high local need for their services. In addition we remain convinced that nurses do not do 'tasks' for and on behalf of any other health professional and will continue to argue this.

I had the pleasure of attending an event in Ryde, Sydney yesterday organised primarily by one of our board members, John Douglas, and a very committed APNA member, Karen Booth. It was to promote the role of practice nurses and in particular the role they can play in the healthy Kids Check. Maxine McKew (local federal MP), Ryde Mayor Victor Tagg, local division representatives, local practice nurses, media and others all watched Karen Booth present verbally on the Healthy Kids Check whilst Christine Brelsford did a fantastic job demonstrating the check on 2 gorgeous 4 year olds, Nick andIsabella. Karen typified the professional, articulate and knowledgeable practice nurse while Christine showed the flexible, caring and approachable face of teh profession. Events like this remind me of why I do what I do and provide me with the passion to continue to ensure that practice nurses are respected and valued members of the health sector.

Calls from members

I sit here in my very neat office (not!) unable to remember what that 'just back from holidays' feeling felt like. In particular currently, I am surrounded by post it notes with messages to ring members about various issues. This is over and above the calls I actually take as they come in. many of you may not know that we are really quite small and all issues relating to nursing come to myself as the only staff member with a nursing background.

What are these issues? Well, this week I have answered

1. 2 calls from nurses new to general practice wanting information on immunisation policies and procedures/recording requirements;
2. one call from a newly medication-endorsed EN on what she can now do in immunisation;
3. one call from a member wanting to know what support we can provide if she sets up an informal local network
4. one call re accreditation
5. one call from a nurse wanting to understand what level she should be paid at on the Qld Drs Rooms award and how that might impact on her continuing to do some shifts in the hospital.
6. one call from a practice manager wanting to negotiate with the practice nurse around weekend shift penalty rates

These calls, while they can be time consuming, are very informative for us as an association - keep them coming. It ensures that we are in touch with the grass roots issues out there and gives us a lot of ideas for resources, articles etc. Then we get depressed when we don't have the resources to develop them! However rest assured we are constantly seeking funding/resourcing opportunities wherever we can.

I am extremely excited by your enthusiastic response to the conference judging by the early bird registrations. I am conscious that those of you who self-fund for these events, do so at enormous cost and we never underestimate that. Those of you who have received funding from your practices, congratulate your practices on being forward thinking and confident enough to fund their nurses to attend a conference designed to empower nurses.

Nominations for board positions have gone out this week and you should receive in the mail tomorrow. Please seriously consider nominating. Any healthy professional association should have competitive elections for board positions as it demonstrates a high level of engagement and passion of members. In an election, potential members need to articulate to the membership their credentials and views which enables you to influence board directions. So fill in that nomination form and put your hat in the ring!