The PA Hospital Nurse Practitioner workforce is being celebrated for the impactful patient care they provide across a growing portfolio every day.
PAH has more than 30 NP’s covering the specialties of diabetes and endocrine, nephrology, oncology, haematology and stem cell, palliative care, aged care, neurology, general medicine, dementia and delirium, cardiology, trauma, toxicology, melanoma, plastics, dermatology, emergency equivalent care for Residential Aged Care and the new specialty of ENT.
Chair of the Metro South Health Nursing and Midwifery Advanced Practice Committee (NMAPC), Erin Cranitch said the progression of the NP profession means there are exciting improvements to advanced practice pathways which will mean new opportunities and new directions for these nursing leadership roles.
“Our committee is focused on improving the Nurse Practitioner career pathway by emphasising the importance of strong partnerships,” Erin said at the MSH Nurse Practitioner Planning Day this December.
“By encouraging collaboration between NPs, healthcare services, and managers, the goal is to create a more seamless pathway for NPs to benefit those they work with.”
Nurse Practitioners (NPs) are the highest qualified clinical nurse in Australia with a master’s degree and an extended scope of practice allowing them to independently assess, diagnose, order, and interpret tests, prescribe medications and provide referrals to other health professionals.
There are 102 Nurse Practitioners across Metro South Health which is an encouraging sign of growth that is helping to strengthen the sustainability of the nursing workforce.
“Nurse Practitioners play a crucial role in Metro South Health’s efforts to meet the diverse needs of the community and by deeply understanding the service needs, they can more effectively contribute to delivering high quality, patient-centred care.”
Erin emphasized the committee’s commitment to examine the novice years of the Nurse Practitioner journey and how we can optimise support for this growing workforce in all domains.
As demand for healthcare continues to grow, expanding the NP workforce ensures patients can access timely, holistic care close to home, while supporting doctors, nurses, and allied health teams to work together more effectively.
Nurse Practitioner Week in 2025 is celebrating 25 years of Nurse Practitioner care in Australia, recognising the Trusted Voices and Prove Care NPs bring to communities every day.