Australian sexual health nurses: Variations in practice
Vickie Knight
Clinical Nurse Consultant, Sydney Sexual Health Centre, South Eastern and Illawarra Area Health Service, Sydney NSW
Nikki Corkill
Clinical Nurse Specialist, Sydney Sexual Health Centre, Sydney Hospital, NSW
Debbie Pittam
Clinical Nurse Specialist Sexual Health/BBV, Corrections Health Service, Silverwater NSW
Annette Dillon
Acting Nurse Unit Manager, Sydney Sexual Health Centre, Sydney Hospital, NSW
Caron Marks
Sexually Transmissible Diseases Research Centre, Marion Villa, Westmead Hospital, Sydney NSW
PP: 140 - 147
Abstract
Objectives:
The study aimed to describe the scope of practice of Australian Sexual Health Nurses in order to inform development of nationally consistent role functions.
Method:
Descriptive cross sectional survey of 201 sexual health nurses utilising an anonymous self-administered questionnaire with reply paid envelope which was sent to members of the Australian Sexual Health Nurses Association along with a letter which encouraged them to ask non member sexual health nurses to also complete a questionnaire.
Major findings:
Despite the fact that most Australian Sexual Health Nurses are employed in sexual health centres and family planning clinics, this study showed the scope of their practice to be extremely varied both in and between states/territories.
Conclusion:
The scope of practice of Australian sexual health nurses is varied. While questions remain as to the reasons for difference, the authors argue that the specialty needs to work toward a national model for basic sexual health nursing care. It is recommended that this model be based on knowledge of and rationales for variations in practice.
Keywords
sexual health nurse; nurse practitioner; nursing role; sexual health; scope of practice
References
Australian Sexual Health Nurses Association. 2001. National Competencies.
Anderson B, Corkill N, Hately R. 1994. Sexual and Reproductive Health Nurses: Active Participants. Venereology 7: 170-171.
Department of Human Services and Health. 1994. Rural/remote areas classification. Canberra: Commonwealth Publications.
Marks C, Tideman R, Mindel A. 1997. Evaluation of sexual health services with Australia and New Zealand. Medical Journal of Australia 166 (7): 348-352.
Miles K, Knight V, Cairo I and King I. 2003. Nurse-led sexual health care: international perspectives. International Journal of STD & AIDS 14(4):243-247.
New South Wales Department of Health. 1996. Nurse Practitioner Project Stage 3 - Final Report of the Steering Committee. Sydney: State Health Publications.
New South Wales Department of Health. 1996. Nursing Recruitment and Retention Taskforce Report. Sydney: State Health Publications.
Shewan JA, Read SM. 1999. Changing roles in nursing: a literature review of influences and innovations. Clinical Effectiveness in Nursing 3:75-82.
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