Spiritus Homeless Outreach Program nurse Malissa Johnson

Homeless people will be the beneficiary of the studies Malissa Johnson is undertaking to become a Nurse Practitioner (NP).

Currently in her final semester of study towards a Masters Program of Nursing Science (Nurse Practitioner), Malissa is a Spiritus nurse who works as part of the Spiritus Homeless Outreach Program in Brisbane.

“As a Nurse Practitioner, I will have the opportunity to provide support in a more holistic fashion rather than referring them on for treatment and tests. There are gaps in the way health care is provided to homeless people and they often find it difficult to function in a clinical system.”

A Nurse Practitioner is able to provide a broad range of services, is given a Medicare Health Provider number, and may prescribe medication under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, order diagnostic investigations and pathology, refer to specialists, and assess and manage clients.

“Although I will function autonomously, I will still work collaboratively in an advanced and extended clinical role, augmenting current health and medical services. The key to our role is the ability to deliver flexible and innovative health care with the emphasis on health promotion and preventative health care, but within a team context – we can only do our best work when working together.”

This collaborative work is a reality as Malissa works with a team which includes another nurse and Resident Support Program Care Coordinator, a part-time social worker, psychologist and social support worker. Additionally, she is joined by the Rev’d Dr Ann Solari, a medical practitioner who works with marginalised people and is attached to St John’s Cathedral as an Honorary Deacon.

“We are working with people who may never go to a doctor to obtain their medication, and as a result may end up extremely sick in hospital. Timely intervention where they are located is the key. They trust the nurses in the Homeless Outreach program – we go to them, working with their choices and as an NP, the potential is there for streamlining the current process.”

Completing her studies will be just the beginning.

“There will be different realities to deal with and relationships to be developed. Doctors I have spoken to are excited about the role and the way in which it can bridge a gap within the community.

“I’m very glad I’ve chosen this course of study. It’s made me more discerning about what I read in my research, and I can understand and evaluate with a new perspective. It’s given me more confidence in nursing generally, and when I am an endorsed NP, I am looking forward to continuing my work in the community – that’s a special place to be.”

Debbie Price