Spotlight on our newest Nurse Practitioners
Jen Turner describes herself as a ‘care continuity anchor’ while Xiyuan Li says she considers herself a ‘walking masterdrive’.
Based at Fiona Stanley Hospital (FSH), both Jen and Xiyuan are two of our newest service Nurse Practitioners.
"We're the first ‘home grown’ batch of Nurse Practitioners as we’ve both been based at FSH for some time," Nurse Practitioner FSH Respiratory Medicine, Xiyuan Li said.
"Starting with the respiratory service in February this year, I work with patients who have a range of lung conditions."
"Now working as a Nurse Practitioner I’m more autonomous – I can solve the problems, see the patients, make the calls and prescribe the medications."
A Nurse Practitioner is a registered nurse with extensive clinical experience who is educated to a master's degree level.
Nurse Practitioner FSH Advanced Heart Failure and Cardiac Transplant Service, Clare Fazackerley, said Nurse Practitioners are authorised to practice in an advanced and extended clinical role.
"They possess the legal authority to work independently, providing clinical services in collaboration with medical, nursing and allied health professionals to diagnose, treat and holistically manage a patient's health status," Clare said.
"Nurse Practitioners perform advanced physical assessment, order diagnostic tests, interpret the results of these tests, initiate referrals to relevant health providers, and prescribe appropriate medications and other therapies as needed."
There are currently 19 Nurse Practitioners employed across a variety of clinical areas at FSFHG including Advanced Heart Failure and Cardiac Transplant Service, Sexual Health Service, Vascular Wound Service, Rottnest Island Nursing Post, Emergency Department, Respiratory Service, and the Valve Intervention Program.
This week marks Nurse Practitioner Week (8-14 December) with this year's theme ‘Strength to Strength: 25 Years of Nurse Practitioner Care’.
Spending a decade as a nurse with the FSH Cardiology Service, Jen's new role highlights the importance of Nurse Practitioners within the hospital system.
"I'm the first Nurse Practitioner working with a valve intervention program in Australia and New Zealand," Jen said.
"I wanted the clinical authority to assess, diagnose, treat, and prescribe – but never wanted to lose the heart of nursing.
"I wanted to lead conversations that empower patients, strengthen pathways, close care gaps, improve access and equity and anchor recovery and long-term follow-up."
"We're that consistent and friendly face for our patients within the hospital setting," Xiyuan Li said.
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