Why Claire loves being a nurse practitioner

Claire Hatherley wanted to work as a nurse in Emergency Department since she was 15-years-old.

Upon completing her Master of Emergency Nursing at LaTrobe University, Claire realised she wanted to put her skills in research and education to good use.

Now, she’s an endorsed Nurse Practitioner in The Alfred’s Emergency Department, with her role focusing heavily on education.

“These skills are the pillars of being a nurse practitioner,” she says.

When patients present to The Alfred’s Emergency Department, Claire says her goal is to reassure them that she’s there to help them get better.

“Being able to assess a patient, develop a plan and come back to them with results where you can reassure them is the most rewarding part,” she says.

Claire encourage all nurses to look into the role of a nurse practitioner.

“I would absolutely encourage people to go down the nurse practitioner pathway. I think all nurses want to look after patients and make their stay or illness better, but in the nurse practitioner space you actually get to lead that change and lead the direction of their recovery which is so rewarding”.