Welcome to a new series of articles that shine a light on some of the amazing health professionals we are lucky enough to have supporting our clients.
Our Clinical Nurse Consultants
To begin the series we spoke to Kim, a Clinical Nurse Consultant (CNC) with more than 25 years’ experience. Kim first began working in the disability sector while she was a student nurse.
“I found that I really enjoyed working in the area. After graduating, I felt that people with disabilities often did not have their needs met in the public health system or in the community, due to a lack of understanding or communication.
Using my early experience I found that, with good support, accessing appropriate health services and supporting their carers, people with disabilities had better outcomes.”
CNCs are specialist nurses in disability. They provide individualised consultation, recommendations and education services for children through to adults. CNCs are responsible for coordinating specialist disability services for The Benevolent Society clients, their families and carers. “No two days are the same”
For Kim, each day is different, depending on the type of referrals received.She will often conduct nursing assessments for people in their homes to provide recommendations and support for them to access health services. These services can include assistance with hospital admissions and discharge, support at medical appointments, coordination of health care services, transition to aged care or palliative care services, and education for individuals, families or carers.
“I work with people of all ages and cultures. Often when I begin working with them they are finding it hard to cope with a changed health status. They are usually very appreciative of my support, and as we produce outcomes together the relationship gets better. I often have repeat referrals from former clients as new issues arise.
People with disabilities have feelings and needs like all of us. They teach me so much about life and how to enjoy the simple things amidst huge health issues. I also love working with a team of knowledgeable health care professionals and collaborating for good outcomes.”
Challenges and future plans
The introduction of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) has brought a new set of challenges for Kim and her colleagues. In particular, they are working hard to ensure that people in the health industry are aware of CNC services and what they can provide, so that people do not miss out on this service in their funded NDIS supports.
“I would like more people in the community to know about the quality of the services offered by The Benevolent Society."
"They need to know where we are and that we are here to assist when needed. It’s an important service we provide and without us, there would be one less service provider, less choice and longer waiting lists for the people we support.”