Waikato clinical nurse specialist Katy Cryer, who organised the conference, said it was a “much-needed” opportunity for professional development and connection for nurses from around the country. School nurses often worked in isolation, and it was hoped that an annual event would bring them together, encouraging more collaboration, Cryer said.
The programme was designed in response to a survey of nurses, and included sessions on assessment skills, mental health resilience, rainbow youth, sexual health, best practice, medicine management and practical skills from a range of experts, including Waikato nurse practitioner Lynette Baines, psychologist Bridget Jelley and Hamilton Sexual Health director Jane Morgan.
The one-day event, which allowed virtual attendance for those still under travel restrictions, replaced the two-day conference originally planned.
Pinnacle Midland Health Network supported 27 of its nurses to attend the symposium.
Director of mobile nursing service, Your Health New Zealand, Nicky Sayers – a co-organiser – said demand had been high for the event, the first of its kind here. A full school and youth health nursing conference, A Seat at the Table: Working Together for Youth Health, was planned for next October in Hamilton. We invite potential sponsors, speakers and delegates to save the date and follow on Facebook.
