Nurse Practitioners

The Council of Remote Area Nurses of Australia (CRANA) recognises the emerging and changing role of nurses in isolated and remote areas of Australia. Included in this changing role is the specialist and extended role of the Nurse Practitioner.

CRANA recognises the role of Nurse Practitioners as one of expanded practice (within the scope of nursing practice) which allows for the delivery of comprehensive Primary Health Care services to remote areas of Australia.

Research in Australia and overseas shows Nurse Practitioners are safe, efficient and an economical way of providing quality Primary Health Care, which is well received by patients.

In recognising the expanded role of the Nurse Practitioner, CRANA understands the following regarding the role of Nurse Practitioners;

• The Nurse Practitioner is a registered nurse whose role of expanded nursing practice allows for advanced nursing practice and an expanded nursing role in areas of need.
• The Nurse Practitioner is a nurse practicing at an advanced level or an expert nurse and one who applies for and practices as a Nurse Practitioner under the appropriate legislative body and as such is responsible for their own practice and outcomes.
• The Nurse Practitioner adheres to the Code of Nursing Practice and is aware of the Commonwealth and State legislation relevant to their area of nursing practice.
• The Nurse Practitioner is an expert registered nurse who is prepared to undertake further study to fully understand and to function in their role of Nurse Practitioner.
• The Nurse Practitioner is a registered nurse who through further study has learnt to reflect upon their own area of practice in a critical yet positive way to best meet patient’s needs.
• The Nurse Practitioner has also learnt to reflect upon the body of nursing knowledge relevant to their area of practice which then allows reflection upon their own practice to provide Primary Health Care from a ‘best’ nursing practice prospective.
• The Nurse Practitioner practices in a culturally safe and appropriate manner to meet the health care needs of patients who ever they might be.
• The Nurse Practitioner does not work in isolation (even if geography isolated) but works as part of a health care team including other health care professionals to deliver safe and efficient Primary Health Care.
• The Nurse Practitioner continues to strive to improve clinical skills and knowledge and to practice at a high level of competency.

References:-
Clinical Resources for the Development of Nurse Practitioners Clinical Protocols –
Nurse Practitioners in Western Australia

Guiding Framework for the Implementation of Nurse Practitioners in Western Australia, Department of Health Government of Western Australia September 2003

National Rural Health Alliance Inc. Advance Rural and Remote Nursing Practice
February 2005

Queensland Nursing Council
Policy on the Regulation of Nurse Practitioners in Queensland - December 2004

Royal College of Nursing Australia. Nurse Practitioners Brisbane Workshop 7th April 2005, Nurse Practitioners – Nurses of the Future – Presenter Prof. Sandra Dunn (R.N. Ph.D. FRCNA)


Queensland Nursing Council - Regulation of Nurse Practitioners in Queensland www.qnc.qld.gov.au