This week is Nurse Practitioner Week (12 – 18 December) where we acknowledge and celebrate the work of Nurse Practitioners.
This year’s theme, Nurse Practitioners, the essential difference in healthcare, acknowledges the unique role of Nurse Practitioners and the contribution they make to our healthcare service.
As a Renal Nurse Practitioner since August 2021, Joanne Kok is using her advanced skills to build on her 20 years of experience in renal care.
Joanne developed an interest in becoming a Nurse Practitioner a few years ago, and took the step to enter post-graduate studies in 2019. She enjoyed the challenge that came with studying for a Master of Nurse Practitioner, which has helped her to expand her thinking which she applies to her role.
“It was challenging during 2020 with COVID…there was more downtime for study…but it was difficult to gain the required 300 hours of clinical time at advanced practice level required for NP endorsement, and less opportunity to work across campuses.”
Since completing her post-graduate studies, Joanne is enjoying the additional responsibilities that come with being a Nurse Practitioner. She can write scripts, perform patient assessments, make clinical decisions in a timely manner, and now looks at the much broader picture with patient care.
“Being a Nurse Practitioner goes beyond the standard scope of practice for a Registered Nurse role,” says Joanne. “We are trained to look at the patient more holistically.”
“I am also continuing to develop our dialysis and vaccine services, and currently work in two satellite dialysis units as well as the NP-led CKD Nurse Practitioner Clinic and the Renal Supportive Care Outpatient Clinic.”
As part of Nurse Practitioner Week, Joanne and her colleagues will attend a masterclass run by the Australian College of Nurse Practitioners, and a networking event.
“We might even hang balloons for the week!”
We thank all our Nurse Practitioners for making a difference in our healthcare service.
Renal Nurse Practitioner, Joanne Kok
Approved by Katrina Nankervis