In collaboration with the Australian College of Nursing Foundation (ACNF), Endometriosis Australia is launching a new scholarship program to train Endometriosis Specialty Nurses (Endo Nurses) for remote areas in Australia.
The initiative aims to deliver 100 trained Endo Nurses to communities that have limited access to the healthcare system around Australia. Each scholarship will cost $2,900 and will be funded by Endometriosis Australia through community donations.
Chair of Endometriosis Australia, Monica Forlano, said the scholarships help address the inequities in healthcare access, especially in rural and remote populations.
Monica said Endo nurses can help to reduce the alarming delay from the onset of the first symptoms and diagnosis, which is around six years.
“We know many Australians are living with the symptoms of endometriosis undiagnosed for years, especially in rural and remote areas. Having access to an endo nurse can have an enormous impact on patients’ experience – from diagnosis to treatment”.
During the 10-week unit of study, nurses will be empowered with the knowledge and essential attributes to be advocates for all individuals experiencing chronic pelvic pain and endometriosis. This unit of study provides the students with the necessary theoretical knowledge to improve how they assess and manage endometriosis and pelvic pain in the clinical setting. This is achieved by exploring endometriosis pathophysiology, pain physiology, and contemporary, evidence-based treatment and management within various clinical settings. A holistic, individual, person-centred approach is core to this unit.
Interim ACN CEO, Emeritus Professor Leanne Boyd, said nurses provide quality care and support for those with endometriosis.
Professor Boyd said nurses care for patients with endometriosis in many settings, including emergency departments, schools, medical or surgical wards, perioperative care, mental health facilities, and fertility services.
“In many rural areas where there is no GP or local hospital, the nurse is the main or sole healthcare professional in the community.
“They are well placed to assist with early recognition, advice, and treatment for people with endometriosis,” Professor Boyd said.
The Endometriosis Australia Nurses Scholarship is a part of Endometriosis Australia’s ongoing campaign, Endo Academy, which is an initiative of Endometriosis Australia to provide further education and training for the endometriosis health and research sector.
Candidates meeting the following criteria are strongly encouraged to apply:
- living in regional, rural, or remote areas,
- have diverse backgrounds (First Nations, CALD, LGBTIQ+),
- academic background and interest in women’s health.
We will be announcing the first round of scholarships available and the Expressions of Interest from the Australian College of Nursing in October 2024, with successful applicants notified in December 2024.
The successful applicants will be announced on 1 December 2024, and the first intake will begin in January 2025. Endometriosis is a common disease where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows in other parts of the body. Endometriosis is commonly found in and around the pelvis, but it can also be found in the bowel, bladder, and has even been found in the skin, joints, lungs, and brain. Endometriosis can cause symptoms such as pain, heavy menstrual bleeding, fatigue, back and leg pain, pain on urination and defecation, pain during sex and reduced fertility, and that’s not all.. The condition affects 1 in 7 Australian females and those presumed female at birth* APAB by their 50th birthday. To donate to Endometriosis Australia and support the Nurses Scholarship, please click here.
About Endometriosis Australia: Endometriosis Australia is the peak body for endometriosis in Australia. Since 2013, the organisation has been leading the charge nationally and internationally in raising awareness and understanding of endometriosis. Endometriosis Australia advocated for and supported the development of Australia’s first National Action Plan for Endometriosis (NAPE) to improve patient and medical community understanding of the disease. This continued the organisation’s drive to the first discussion of endometriosis in Parliament in 2017. Endometriosis Australia is a nationally accredited charity that raises awareness, educates, and funds research for endometriosis. We are committed to empowering patients with the knowledge to be in control of their healthcare and promoting patient-centred care solutions.
About the Australian College of Nursing Foundation: The Australian College of Nursing (ACN) has a long and proud history of philanthropy and investment in the nursing profession through its two predecessor organisations, The College of Nursing, and the Royal College of Nursing Australia. To honour and build on this success, the Australian College of Nursing (ACN) Foundation was established in 2019 as the philanthropic arm of the ACN. The Australian College of Nursing (ACN) Foundation provides access, through funding, to support initiatives that enhance, develop, and recognise contributions made by Australian nurses that will improve the health of the Australian community and secure nursing history. We collaborate with the community to raise funds to support initiatives that focus on research, policy development and advocacy, education, and scholarship. We’re here to support nurses… the backbone of the health care system.
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