WHY SEE A NURSE PRACTITIONER?
A Nurse Practitioner (NP) is an advanced practice nurse with specialist skills and education in providing comprehensive and quality healthcare to patients from all backgrounds. They assess, diagnose, and treat a wide range of health conditions, including mental health disorders, chronic illnesses, and preventative care, working holistically to support your overall wellbeing.
Nurse practitioners in Australia undergo extensive postgraduate education at a Master’s level, to acquire the skills necessary for advanced clinical practice, they are endorsed to function autonomously and collaboratively in their practice. Nurse Practitioners work in advanced and extended clinical roles within the community to assist and alleviate healthcare provider shortages and reduces the burden on the doctor workforce, improving timely access to quality care.
Australia is among the first countries to formally recognize and regulate nurse practitioners under legislation introduced in the early 2000s, patients can make appointments directly with a nurse practitioner, without the need for a doctor’s referral.
Nurse practitioners are able to provide patient rebates through the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS), as well as provide prescriptions under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS)
The expanded skillset of a Nurse Practitioner include:
• The ability to assess, diagnose and treat different health conditions.
• The ability to prescribe clinical investigations which can involve ordering and interpreting pathology, as well as other diagnostic tests and assessments, such as X-rays, CT scans, and ultrasounds.
• The ability to prescribe and adjust medications, monitor the management of side effects, and manage discontinuation of medications where required.
• Nurse practitioners are able to refer to other medical specialists and consultants.
• Provide sickness certificates, sign legal documents, and provide medication repeats.
DID YOU KNOW?
• Nurse Practitioners provide healthcare in all states and territories in Australia.
• We can provide patient rebates through the Medicare Benefits Schedule.
• We provide prescriptions and access to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).
• Nurse Practitioners are registered health care providers with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).
• Nurse practitioners have been working across Australia for over 15 years.
• We can order x-rays and diagnostic tests.
WHY CHOOSE A NURSE PRACTITIONER?
Your treatment plan is designed for steady progress, with every phase promptly implemented.
• Convenient Access: Nurse practitioners often offer more flexible appointment times and shorter waiting periods making healthcare more accessible to patients with busy schedules or urgent needs.
• Holistic Care Approach: They focus on the whole person, incorporating physical, emotional, social, and spiritual aspects into assessment and treatment providing more personalised and comprehensive care.
• Patient Education: Nurse practitioners prioritise patient education and empowerment, helping individuals better understand their health conditions and self-care strategies.
• Specialised Clinics: Many nurse practitioners develop and run specialised clinics tailored to specific needs, such as mental health, chronic disease management, or primary care, providing targeted expertise.
• Cost-Effective Care: Seeing a nurse practitioner can often be a more affordable option, without compromising quality, especially in areas facing healthcare provider shortage or high demand.
