Nurse practitioners

Palliative care as with many other specialties has nurses working in advanced practice roles. The Nurse Practitioner (NP) role in palliative care has gained significant momentum over the last 10 years. To work as a NP the nurse must demonstrate qualifications including three years full-time experience at the clinical advanced nursing practice level within the past six years, completion of a Masters level qualification and be registered with the Australian Health Practitioners Regulation Agency (AHPRA). [1] The Australian College for Nurse Practitioners has developed a position statement on the nurse practitioner scope of practice.

NP role in palliative care

Nurse Practitioners provide a unique and highly advance nursing skill set, their roles within palliative care are commonly aimed at working with primary care providers to facilitate timely, equitable access to care for those living with a life limiting illness. They are trained and skilled to perform advanced duties including: [2]

• examinations
• diagnose illness
• prescribe medications
• offer referrals, and
• follow-up care as appropriate.

The extended clinical role of NPs within palliative care is growing in Australia, with reports from individuals and single organisations suggesting improved continuity of care, likelihood of dying in a person’s place of choice, and reduced hospitalisation costs. [2-4]

The NP may be based in the acute care sector, residential aged care or the community. The role and activities of NPs across these settings of care will vary according to need and available resources. Furthermore, NPs may work as sole practitioners or as part of a wider palliative care team. [5] However, collaborative practice in multi-professional environments is a key part of the NMBA definition of NPs within the Nurse practitioner standards.