Spotlight on Practice Nursing

Michelle MacGillivray, Practice Support 18 December 07

Congratulations to Gail Schuler, who was awarded a $10,000 education scholarship to study the Graduate Certificate in Diabetes Education. Gail is a Div 1 Registered Nurse working at the Gillies Street Medical Clinic

Gail was recently notified that she was successful in the 2007 Australian Government Practice Nurse Scholarship Scheme administered by the Australian Practice Nurse Association (APNA).

Through her role at Gillies Street Medical Clinic, where Gail assists the GPs with Chronic Disease Management and clinical care of patients, Gail felt the need to gain more knowledge around diabetes management. In her role, she has found that access to Diabetes educators is adequate at present but she can see an increasing demand for diabetes education services in the future. The time was right to gain new information, knowledge and confidence to deal with the demand. Gail is hoping that by offering diabetes education at the practice level, the practice will be offering a diabetic service at an extended and consistent level allowing the practice to monitor and assist their patients in an organised and systematic manner.

Gail began practice nursing in 2005, being attracted to the role because it allowed her to work around her busy family but also practice nursing offered an opportunity to work in a non acute setting. Gail said "This is the best position I have ever had!" She finds the role of practice nurse to be extremely satisfying and she thrives on the opportunity to learn continuously. She commented that she works with a great team at Gillies Street, which contributes to her high job satisfaction.

Gail particularly enjoys seeing patients for follow up and review as part of her role as a Chronic Disease Management nurse at Gillies Street. She commented on the fact that she loves having time to talk and work with patients and develop a good relationship with them through their follow up visits at the practice.

Gail has taken advantage of many education opportunities offered through the Nursing in General Practice program. Of particular interest was the 2 day Diabetes workshop for General Practice Nurses in Hepburn Springs. She also participated in the Flinders Chronic Condition Self Management course where 6 General Practice Nurses, 6 Ballarat and District Nursing and Healthcare Nurses and 6 Allied Health Workers from Ballarat completed the course together. Gail said as a result of the education she has received she takes a holistic approach to chronic disease management and works at engaging the patient in their own care.

We look forward to hearing more from Gail when she begins her course.

This article is available online at http://bddgp.org.au/article/2007/12/gail-schuler

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