Waimate, South Canterbury

The next chapter in my journey took us to Waimate, in South Canterbury. This was the making of my nurse practitioner career. The experience I gained during my 5 years there was exciting ,challenging, and extremely rewarding.

I was PRIME trained and took part on the roster covering 2 nights a week and 1 weekend in 3-4. Here I experienced a range of situations including delivering a baby, multiple MVA and farm accidents, suicides, drug over doses, cardiac arrests and other tragic incidents. The GP back-up was not only necessary in order for me to do the job but was also paramount in allowing me the opportunity to increase my scope of practice in a safe and supported environment.  The local ambulance crews and fire brigade were incredible to work with and even if I was the only PHC provider on a scene I did not feel alone as “we” were a team. 

It was a busy time in General Practice and there was plenty of opportunity for me to utilise my extended practice. Here I completed my Clinical Masters. Armed with my Nurse Practitioner qualification I moved on.