Category: Nursing

APNA Conference: Ear Irrigation

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I had the pleasure of presenting and taking part in several sessions at this year’s Australian Primary Health Care Nurses’ Association (APNA) annual conference.  One of the sessions I presented on was a short course on ear irrigation – and it turned out to be a really fun and engaging audience!  I had a great time talking about ear wax…and I hope you guys had a great time too. 🙂

I was asked for a copy of the presentation by several participants.  I have linked to an abridged version of that presentation for your records HERE.

Just a Travel Update

It’s been a while since posting an update on my work in Mornington Island. Today marks my second rotation so I figure a quick update is warranted.

There’s been a flurry of activity since my last stint there. In the last week I’ve been to Perth for meetings, followed by Sydney for a really great dermoscopy course, and am now in Mount Isa getting ready for another flight to Mornington! Some interesting photos from my most recent travels:

Salt Flats Over WA

No those aren’t clouds from my window – they’re salt flats from dried up waterbeds over WA.

A Perth Dawn

It turns out Perth is an excellent place to turn you from a “late sleeper” to an “early riser”. I woke up at 3:30AM like clockwork each day!

Pink Lakes over Victoria

If you look closely you’ll see a pink lake down there. No, it’s not toxic sludge! Apparently a salt-loving algae lives in the water.

And that’s it! Off to share experiences with the Mornington community.

Advanced Practice Nursing

…so you might be wondering about my quote on “Advanced Practice Nursing” vs “Advanced Nursing Practice” in the latest issue of ANMJ.  I was quoted that app technology belonged to the science of “advanced nursing practice.”  In reality, it belongs to both the broad domain of advanced nursing practice (ANP) and advanced practice nursing (APN).  Semantics, I’m sure you’re thinking…but I believe that app technology needs further study by the body of science that informs nursing…but is also a hallmark of advanced practice nursing…that is, the practice of nursing.  Unfortunately, this wasn’t well represented in the article and is its own article in itself.  Oh well!  Sometimes interviewing can be a bit hard…and critical information is sometimes missed.  I was using a “regulatory definition” of ANP, and not a professional one.  Whoops!

1 Publication Done, 2 More to Go!

Well, I’ve finally gotten one of my publications up in the Journal of Advanced Nursing…which explains my prolonged absence from blogging. 🙂  

If you’d like to get a copy of my paper, please feel free to email me via the Contact Form.

Only 2 more to go…and then I need to get this PhD done! 🙂

Helms, C., Gardner, A., & McInnes, E. (2016). Consensus on an Australian Nurse Practitioner Specialty Framework using Delphi Methodology: Results from the CLLEVER 2 Study. J Adv Nurs. doi:10.1111/jan.13109

Nurse Practitioner Resources Available

I’ve just finalised some of the resources for nurse practitioners working in the private sector! If you have any suggestions to help improve these resources, please feel free to contact me. These resources are provided free of charge to students and nurse practitioner colleagues. Enjoy!

Resources Include:

AUSMED Conference

During past few years, Nurse Practitioners have made huge headway in the Australian healthcare system and have spearheaded new nursing roles. Due to the demanding nature of this advanced and extended practice there is a need for regular evidence- based high level clinical-related updates.  This seminar offers Nurse Practitioners an opportunity to complement their existing real-world skills with up to date knowledge and showcases some innovative NP roles.

For more information on this conference click HERE.