-----Original Message-----
From: John Apps <[log in to unmask]>
To: INTERNET:[log in to unmask] <[log in to unmask]>
Date: 01 July 1998 07:19
Subject: Re: nurse led clinics
<<How did you formulate guidelines for these nurse-led surgeries?>>
Common sense rules okay! Reception staff diverted patients initially to
nurse clinic on the basis that they were unlikely to need a script. Defined
problems were cough, cold, rashes, sunburn, insect bites, D&V, aches &
pains, ear-wax etc. Patients were informed that the nurse was not able to
prescribe, but would get 'the doc' if needed. It was very popular from the
start, and patients are now used to it and often ask for the nurse clinic
rather than the doc.
Our two nurses have both worked with us for over 10 years and have oudles
of common-sense as well as excellent training and experience. So far, we
have not had a problem with missed serious illness (that we know about!).
It has certainly taken the pressure off the docs and helped drive down
patient demand for treatment for self-limiting illness. The nurses enjoy
the clinic; they get to exercise clinical judgement and autonomy.
John Apps
well done
zena nurse practitioner
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