hedgehog-girl

I am very interested in changing my career and becoming a Practice Nurse. Can I ask how you all got into it and what you think are good qualifications/experience to have.

At present I'm a theatre nurse but have worked on the wards too.

carolinejones3

Hi there,
I am a practice nurse here in England. From what I have heard re the Oz side of things is that you don't actually need any formal community experiance???
There are few practice nurses that are your side (down under) and will probably see this thread and be able to given you more advice.
From this neck of the woods I have a degree in specialist practice (community) several diploma's in chronic disease (main bulk of work here) cervical smears and baby immunisation etc.. But I do believe its very different there, more clinical nursing, baby imms, ecgs' bloods, minor treatment, wounds etc..
Prob not much help, but wish you all the luck.. I love my job very much!
Caroline
Ps all my 'stuff' was gained doing the job (very lucky I know!) I worl for a teaching trust.

vivi

Hi Hedgehog girl, I am working as a practice nurse. Last time I did this was in 1982!!!Gulp!! My career has been mainly 9 yrs general stuff, 9 yrs ICU and then 7 school health. Practice nursing maust say is a piece of cake!! Mainly health assessments, weilding the old syringe around as well as ear syringing, ecgs spirometry, assisting with procedures! etc. Dont get me wrong as well as having to be talented you have to have beauty to do this job!!! I thought that when I got here I would try and persue school health as I loved it, however have decided tha PN is for me. Very varied,meeting new people, good fun . However depending on your practice will determine if you have autonomy. But go for it girl. Anything you don't know you can always watch a couple of episodes of Grays Anatomy and you will aquire immediate knowledge!!!