Skye Gray Is Advocate For Lifelong Learning

Nurse Practitioner (NP) Skye Gray, who specialises in chronic respiratory and heart failure, is not above further training if it will help her do her job better.

“I felt compelled to undertake further training and studies to become a nurse practitioner, as I recognised gaps within the health service where the addition of an NP role would improve holistic health and positive outcomes for patients and the community,” Nurse Gray said.

In her 23 years of nursing, Nurse Gray has studied and obtained numerous tertiary qualifications in drug and alcohol nursing, governance, cardiorespiratory and cardiovascular nursing and palliative care.

She studied for a Masters of NP and is currently studying primary health care (diabetes) and emergency.

“As an advanced practice nurse, I found the role of an NP gave me a forum to further advance my skills, experience and training, and to implement new innovative methods and solutions to improve patient and community health,” Nurse Gray said.

Accredited as an NP since 2015, Nurse Gray said her role complemented the medical specialists and GPs.

“I collaborate with specialists, other health professionals and community services to support the patient to manage their lung condition at home effectively,” she said.

Nurse Gray has had the opportunity to assist in the coordination and development of a new outpatient respiratory clinic aimed at patients who are not successfully managing their lung condition at home.

“We are trying to help people to have the support and confidence to manage their condition better and to live their best lives at home with their family and friends,” Nurse Gray said.

“I find there are fewer collaborative barriers between public and private health and community services when working within a rural forum. This in turn, promotes better health outcomes for the patient and community.

“I enjoy working within a rural setting as it gives all health professionals an opportunity to work across disciplines, further promoting patient support throughout their transition of the health care settings, from emergency presentation, acute and community care.”

When she is not studying or at work, Nurse Gray enjoys the natural benefits of living within a rural area, participating in activities such as kayaking, walking, camping and fishing.

“I love the community connectedness in regional towns, both on a professional and personal basis,” she said.

“It is sometimes a little hectic to fit everything in, managing a home and family, studying and working full time, but living and working in this community makes everything feel that much easier.

“We have the time and capacity to enjoy life.

“I also feel fortunate to have the support and encouragement of Murrumbidgee Local Health District (MLHD), enabling me to pursue continued education and employment opportunities.

“There is so much opportunity for nurse practitioners to diversify and to help people in the community to access quality and holistic healthcare.

“My long-term goal is to work full time as a generalist nurse practitioner in a public or private setting, and as Theodore Roosevelt said, “Believe you can and you are halfway there.”

Visit https://www.acnp.org.au for more information about a role as a nurse practitioner.

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