Maxine was one the very first ANPs, a registered nurse with advanced education and training at Masters level and has carried out the role in an urgent care setting for 20 years.
Maxine told us: “We play an essential healthcare role that has evolved over the years with prescribing and advanced health assessment experience across multiple healthcare settings. Since the Covid pandemic we carry out detailed assessments over the phone, sometimes using the Accurx system that enables patients to send in pictures to aid in diagnosing and treatment without the need for face-to-face appointments.
“I see a great many patients with primary care concerns such as chest pain, coughs, children with high temperatures with more complex patients who have to manage long term conditions. The care we provide is so varied, some are assessed by A&E nurses and triaged through to us, some are referred by 111. We try to introduce an element of education about where a patient should go for the right care; for example, it’s easy for the patient to come to their nearest hospital when a pharmacist may have been better placed to help.
“I’ve been working for DHU for six years now and I still thoroughly enjoy my role. We are well supported; I have wonderful colleagues to work alongside. We have extensive training packages available, and we are consistently encouraged to look at our own working practices to improve and develop.
“I assess and treat patients both over the phone and face to face. When I see someone, I love the fact that I’m helping them and making a difference to their lives. Whether it’s the patient or the child and their family, it’s what I got into nursing for and it still fills me with pride to know that for that moment, I’m there for them.”