Lutheran to add NPs following successful trial

The onsite team of highly skilled nurse practitioners is growing thanks to the results of a new trial.

Aged care provider Lutheran Services Queensland is growing its team of highly qualified nurse practitioners across its aged care sites following the success of a trial of the model of care.

Toowoomba and Laidley were the first two aged care sites to launch the trial in May 2021, with a second nurse practitioner appointed in June of last year.

Melanie Wagner (Claudia Baxter)

The not-for-profit aged care provider plans to broaden its program to recruit and nurture the nursing specialists further by employing five nurse practitioners at Lutheran Services’ aged care sites in Gympie, the Sunshine Coast, Toowoomba and Brisbane by the end of January this year.

Lutheran Services’ first nurse practitioner Melanie Wagner leads the team as chief clinician.

“We believe in the model of care and have witnessed many positive outcomes for residents with more complex health needs,’’ she said.

Lutheran Services chief executive officer Nick Ryan celebrated the expansion of the team and the high-level clinical skills and advanced care they deliver to their residents.

“They act as trouble-shooters particularly across our regional aged care sites, using their specialised skills to enhance wellbeing and deliver high quality care,” Mr Ryan said.

Among the new recruits this year, registered nurse and scholarship awardee Regina Huang will train to become a nurse practitioner.

Ms Huang said the advanced skills of a nurse practitioner were highly valued in the industry.

Regina Huang (The Photo Pitch/ Andrew Coates)

“This higher level of care is particularly important in regional areas where residents might need to travel long distances to see a GP. An onsite nurse practitioner can prescribe medication, undertake simple procedures and manage wound care,” she said.

“Nurse practitioners also provide advanced palliative care that allows our residents to remain where they are most comfortable rather than dying in a hospital.’’

Ms Wagner said that nurse practitioners provide high levels of clinically focused, autonomous health care for acute and chronic conditions in residential care that complement the care provided by the resident’s doctor.

“They are now part of the daily care of residents ensuring a higher quality of life,” Ms Wagner said. “As an aged care organisation, Lutheran Services is leading the way with a program to recruit and nurture nurse practitioners across its sites.’’

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Tags: aged care, Lutheran Services, Melanie Wagner, nick ryan, Regina Huang,

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