The Queensland Refugee Health Nurses (RHNs) Showcase 2018 was a fabulous day that brought refugee health nurse (RHN) leaders together to continue to develop their knowledge base, build networks, lead innovation and advocate for people from a refugee-like background. RHNs play an integral role in the settlement journey, undertaking a comprehensive nursing health assessment, supporting appropriate health pathways, building health literacy and providing support. There was a high energy as everyone took the opportunity to network, problem solve and collaborate.
Key Qld Department of Health, Refugee Health Partnership Advisory members, settlement agency managers, and PHN’s joined the meeting.
Chair of Refugee Nurses Australia and Nurse Manager NSW Refugee Health Service, Sandy Eager presented on the draft RHN Standards of Practice. These benchmarks underpin the practice of RHN and support the varying Models of Care applied in both Queensland and throughout Australia. Other topics presented included:
- The five Qld RHN Models of Care – different models to achieve the same outcomes
- Strategies in establishing new regional refugee health services
- Overview of the Humanitarian Settlement Program from a settlement services perspective
- Department of Home Affairs – an introduction to HAPlite. This session triggered the beginning of much discussion and will take considerable work to unpack the implications for care delivery and resourcing
- An interview of two registered nurses with a refugee background, their experiences of achieving registration with AHPRA and the enablers and barriers to their practice
We wish to acknowledge the efforts of the planning team and Mater Health Services for hosting an inspiring day.
Leeanne Schmidt, CNC Metro South Refugee Health Service
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