Nursing Program

Aims of the Nursing Program

A​SHM recognises the vital role that nurses play in prevention, screening, testing, diagnosis, treatment and management of those at risk of and living with HIV, viral hepatitis and STIs. Our Nursing program aims to:

  1. Strengthen the role of nurses working in HIV, viral hepatitis and STIs
  2. Develop, deliver and evaluate continuing professional development opportunities in HIV, viral hepatitis and STIs education, in collaboration with relevant nursing organisations
  3. Advocate for the role of nurses to work their full scope of practice in providing care to people with HIV, viral hepatitis and STIs
  4. Advocate for safe and equitable care, free of stigma and discrimination for people with HIV, viral hepatitis and STIs

 

Training and development

Our program offers nursing education and resources in HIV, viral hepatitis and sexually transmissible infections for novice to expert nurses in Australia and New Zealand.  Ensuring nurses have access to high quality and relevant training to enhance their professional development is a priority. Visit ASHM's training calendar to see what education is being offered in your area. 

 

Policy and advocacy

ASHM is committed to supporting nurses to work to their full scope of practice. We do this via the program in the following activities:

  • Development of position statements in consultation and collaboration with relevant BBV sector experts
  • Supporting affiliated organisations to develop competency standards and guidelines​ which assist to define the role of the nurse
  • Actively seeking opportunities to contribute nursing perspectives into national committees, strategy and policy discussions 
  • Encouraging ASHM members to contribute to the Nursing Program's strategic direction and priorities via the annual nurse member survey

 

ASHM Nursing Team 

 

Melinda Hassal, Clinical Nurse Lead Nursing Program   

E melinda.hassal@ashm.org.au   T 0422596701

 

Melinda is a Registered Nurse with experience in acute care, primary health care and public health, has completed a Graduate Certificate in Health Promotion and a Masters degree in Public Health. She is a Fellow of the Australian College of Nursing and the Brisbane Region Secretariat. Please contact Melinda for further information on ASHM’s nursing related activities and the Nursing Program.​Melinda is a Registered Nurse with experience in acute care, primary health care and public health, has completed a Graduate Certificate in Health Promotion and a Masters degree in Public Health. She is a Fellow of the Australian College of Nursing and the Brisbane Region Secretariat. Please contact Melinda for further information on ASHM’s nursing related activities and the Nursing Program.​

 

ASHM Nursing Board Subcommittee members 

Clinical Nurse Advisors provide high quality clinical advice to ASHM.  They assist with the development of policy, clinical training materials and resources and contribute to the clinical review of training curricula, materials and ASHM publications. 

  • Jacqui Richmond – Program Manager, EC Australia, Workforce Development and Health Service Delivery, Burnet Institute (Hepatology)
  • Donna Tilley – Transitional Nurse Practitioner (Sexual Health/HIV)
  • Cherie Bennett – Clinical Nurse Consultant (HIV/Sexual Health)
  • Vickie Knight – Clinical Nurse Consultant (Sexual Health/HIV)

                

 

Become an ASHM member

All nurses are invited to become ASHM member with ASHM membership for nurses now available for $110, 

Nurses who are members of organisations that hold ASHM organisation sustaining membership are also eligible to become an ASHM Affiliate member.

 

Download our Nursing Program Bulletin

 

Download our Nursing Forum Report from the
2018 Australasian Viral Hepatitis Conference

ASHM held a one-day forum, a satellite event of the 2018 Australasian Viral Hepatitis Conference. Participants shared nurse-led models-of-care, knowledge and experiences for the management and treatment of viral hepatitis. 

Download a copy:  2018 Australasian Viral Hepatitis Conference: Nurse-led Models-of-care Report   |   View it as an Online Publication