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.