Nurses at Cook Street health co-op are taking patients
Community health co-operative in Cook Street Village in Fairfield says it has three registered nurses who can handle many health concerns that don’t require a doctor
A community health co-operative in Cook Street Village in Fairfield says it has three registered nurses who can handle many health concerns that don’t require a doctor and are taking patients.
People often believe they need a doctor when a nurse might be the appropriate choice, said Vanessa Hammond, chair of the Victoria Community Health Co-operative.
“People think they need a doctor, so automatically go line up for a doctor when, in fact, a nurse would be really appropriate,” said Hammond.
“The scope of practice of registered nurses is actually quite huge.”
Two of the three part-time registered nurses at the co-op focus more on physical health, while the other focuses on mental health.
Registered nurses are licensed to check blood pressure and blood sugar, screen for chronic diseases, provide wound and injury care, and conduct wellness checks for coping, mobility, medication compliance and nutrition. They can also help people navigate the health-care system and explain tests ordered by a family doctor.