In episode 11 of TeamUP!, Morgan and Sarah explore the significant role of nurses in aiding patients with mental health needs, particularly mood disorders, in primary care settings.
The hosts discuss how common anxiety and depression are, and how nurses' skills in connecting with patients are vital in providing comprehensive care. The conversation covers the different scopes of practice for Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) and Registered Nurses (RNs), and how these professionals assess and support patients with stable and unstable mental health conditions. Featuring key quotes and anecdotes from nurses in the field, the hosts look into the importance of team support, debriefing after stressful events, and the need for escalation pathways when patients require care beyond a nurse's scope of practice.
Special Thanks
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Throughout this season you’ll hear from several amazing nurses:
- Angela Wignall is a Registered Nurse who has worked in perinatal health and public health. Since recording this episode Angela has been promoted to the CEO of the Nurses and Nurse Practitioners of BC from her position as Senior Executive Director. Angela is also a board member at the Canadian Nurses Association.
- Diana Boateng is a Registered Nurse and is working on her dual master’s degree in nursing and health informatics. In her Masters, she is a co-op student working with the Innovation Support Unit. Her background is mostly in acute care but she has been interested in exploring what it means to be a nurse in primary care.
- Hannah Roy works as a Registered Nurse in primary care and urgent primary care. She has certified practice in STI management and is completing her Masters degree to be a nurse practitioner.
- Jamie Duteil is a Registered Nurse and the Health System Improvement Director at Health Quality BC. She has managed urgent primary care centres and acute care centres.
- Kacey Wall is a Registered Nurse and a diabetes educator, she has worked in primary care networks and is a team member of the Innovation Support Unit.
- Nikki Kafal is a Registered Nurse and has spent her career working in emergency and critical care settings. She is completing a dual master degree in nursing and health informatics and joins the Innovation Support Unit as a co-op student.
Links and Resources
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TeamUP! Season 7 Episode 2: Nurses as a Profession — How nurses augment primary care
