Fyi - [midwife] has been added by me, and is a correct reading of this material, even if the midwife has not qualified in nursing. This may appear very a sell-out to nursing to some - I'm sorry if you think that. I believe that it gives midwives an opportunity to practise midwifery in any setting - hospital or community. We need these advanced practices so that we can practise on our own authority, without having to ask permission from a doctor to get a blood test, or having to pretend we are a 'support person' when we attend a woman in hospital. So that hospital midwives can take authoritative professional responsibility, and seek collaboration with obstetric specialists when required, rather than follow protocols which require doctors to be the lead professionals in all births. Perhaps this will be a step in separating nursing and midwifery? Joy Johnston
MEDIA INFORMATION FROM THE NURSES BOARD OF VICTORIA 14 December 2001 NURSES [MIDWIVES'] NEW ROLE FORGES AHEAD The long awaited Nurse Practitioner Role is now a reality with nurses [midwives] invited to apply to the Nurses Board of Victoria (NBV) for endorsement from this point forward. NBV's Chief Executive, Leanne Raven says that the Board is excited about receiving applications for this new role. "The framework for all of the necessary processes is now in place for the implementation of the Nurse Practitioner, which will enable nurses [midwives] to perform advanced duties in practice." Endorsed Nurse Practitioners may be qualified to prescribe certain medicines, initiate lab tests, refer to specialists and admit and discharge patients. "Through this role Victorian nurses [midwives] will be able to demonstrate their competency and work together with other health professionals including those in medicine and pharmacy." The Nurses (Amendment) Act 2000 implemented by the Victorian Government last month has granted the Nurses Board of Victoria the power to endorse eligible nurses [midwives] for the Nurse Practitioner role and to accredit courses leading to endorsement. Ms Raven says that the Nurses Board has set strict processes for nurses applying for endorsement as a Nurse Practitioner. "The Board's main role is safeguarding the public and the processes leading to endorsement reflect this. Nurses [midwives] who apply to become Nurse Practitioners in Victoria will need to meet strict criteria set by the Board and undertake top level training at an education facility approved by the Board." Ms Raven says that after completing their training nurses [midwives] will be able to work competently as Nurse Practitioners aiding the Victorian Health Care system greatly. "With changes in society like ageing population, an increase in mental health difficulties and a shortage of health care professionals, nurses trained to perform these clinical duties will be an enormous help." For further information please contact: Cushla Gillbanks at Australian Lifestyle Media Phone (03) 9421 5222 -- This mailing list is sponsored by ACE Graphics. Visit <http://www.acegraphics.com.au> to subscribe or unsubscribe.
