A growing Nurse Practitioner (NP) workforce in Southern is working to improve outcomes for our rural communities. Emma Turner is a Transitional Rural Generalist Nurse Practitioner based in Moruya, and a full-time student in the Master of Nurse Practitioner Course. Her specialty is emergency and acute care.
"Choosing to be a rural generalist nurse practitioner was a meaningful decision to follow my passion for providing comprehensive care to underserved communities," said Emma.
For Emma, becoming a NP is an important step in ensuring that the community receives continuity of high-quality care.
She began her nursing career as an Endorsed Enrolled Nurse. Her commitment to healthcare led her to become a registered nurse, with a focused ambition to specialise in emergency nursing, particularly in rural healthcare settings.
Emma Turner is a Rural Generalist Transitional Nurse Practitioner at Southern NSW Local Health District
"NPs are expert, highly qualified nurses who work autonomously at an advanced level of practice," explained Kassandra Packwood, Southern’s District Deputy Director Nursing and Midwifery Leadership.
"NPs assess and diagnose patients, request and interpret tests, prescribe therapies and medications, and receive and make referrals to other health practitioners. Nurse practitioner models provide an adaptable and integrated approach to meet health care demand. At Southern, we have NPs working across a range of settings, including renal, emergency, aged care and oncology."
NPs are registered nurses who have the authority to practice independently and collaboratively in an expanded clinical role. The role was established in the United States in 1965, and in Australia in 2000. Today there are over 2500 Nurse Practitioners in Australia.
NPs work within a broader scope of practice than a registered nurse (RN) and in most circumstances can independently manage entire episodes of care. This enables earlier access to care and reduces delays to treatment.
Extensive national and international studies show that NPs increase health care access and cost effectiveness. Research also indicates that patients accept the NP role and see it as a safe and effective part of their healthcare.
Emma explained how a year working in a nurse manager role focused on leadership and education in practice development led her to pursue a Nurse Practitioner pathway.
"My goal is to provide impactful care in rural areas, often facing shortages of healthcare providers, to improve access to care and improve health outcomes," said Emma.
"As a generalist, you have the opportunity to treat a wide range of health issues, which can be both challenging and rewarding. You have the opportunity to become a key player in managing various aspects of patient care."
"My choice to be a rural generalist nurse practitioner reflects a commitment to improving healthcare access and quality in communities that need it most."
NSW Health uses a Transitional Nurse Practitioner Pathway to employ nurses while they complete their education and training.
Emma is excited about the clinical career paths for the nursing profession the expansion of the NP workforce brings.
"I am passionate about becoming a Nurse Practitioner. I am very happy to share my journey to facilitate nurses who are interesting in embarking on a transitional nurse practitioner pathway."
Outside of work, Emma enjoys family life on the south coast.
"Our family enjoys exploring the beautiful ocean and estuaries of our local area, with fishing being a shared passion. I also love immersing myself in podcasts, which I look forward to catching up on after completing my Master’s degree later this year."
Celebrating Nurse Practitioner Week
Southern is proud to support Nurse Practitioner Week, an annual celebration of the role of NPs in Australian healthcare. The Australian College of Nurse Practitioners (ACNP) hosts the event, which highlights the importance of NPs in improving health outcomes and delivering quality care.
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