Nurse practitioner

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Hi, I have only been working for a year as a registered nurse but have been looking into my future. One day I would like to become a nurse practitioner in Australia. As I am just starting my career I would like to know where most nurse practitioners work as I have only seen them in Emergency in Australia? I would like to know so I could choose a career now so in a few years I can get my foot in the door and take the course. Thanks

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

Hello, there. We have decided to move your thread to our Nursing in Australia forum to elicit responses from those who live and work in Australia. Good luck!

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Specializes in Surgical, quality,management.

We have acute pain, gerentology, urology, endoscopy, gastroenterology (chronic conditions) wound care, stomal therapy, head and neck.

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Can they work in theatre?

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The role of NP in Australia is different and restricted to that in countries like USA. Which is a shame, considering the massive need for NPs and the evidence that shows quality outcomes when NPs are involved.

To become an NP in Australia is confusing and difficult at times. You will need: a bachelors in nursing. 5+ years of nursing experience in the area you wish to practice; including 2 years in an advanced practice role before you can study your masters degree.

Then AHPRA needs to endorse you as an NP before you can practice. Even if you meet all the education and experience requirements, they can still refuse to endorse you.

Hopefully Australia improves policy and legislation so that the NP role can expand in coming years.

Majority of NPs that I have heard work in specialties such as Emergency (short stay and fast track), palliative care, rural, chronic diseases and mental health. But all specialties are possible.

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I currently work in theatre nursing. Could I become a nurse practitioner in that? and if so how would it be different? Thanks

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Specializes in Surgical, quality,management.

Doubtful. The old boy network of medicine is strongest with surgeons, unless you wanted to only do biopsies and incision and drainage of simple abcesses. Endoscopy is probably the closest you could get.

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i was under the impression that once you become a np you can work in any specialties?

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Specializes in Surgical, quality,management.
i was under the impression that once you become a np you can work in any specialties?

No, you need to declare an area of expertise

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