Australian Nursing & Midwifery Federation Newsletter · Our session discussed the importance of pelvic floor exercises before a Radical Prosta- ... Attending the conference allowed

VUNS

VUNS Chairperson Report June 2015

Here we are approaching the end of the financial

year. The years seem to be rolling bye very

quickly.

The USANZ ASM in Adelaide was a great suc-

cess unfortunately I was unable to attend. How-

ever the reports from nurses who attended said

it was a very informative meeting. Once again

VUNS supported nurses to attend this meeting.

VUNS continues to offer support to our mem-

bers with education sessions, scholarships and

networking. This was evident with a great edu-

cational session on prostate cancer in May. It

was well attended and an extremely successful

meeting. Congratulations to the organising com-

mittee.

The upcoming education meetings are Australi-

an and New Zealand Urogential and Prostate

Trials (ANZUP) July 12-14th, Meeting of the

Waters July 25th. The Prostate Cancer World

Congress-Cairns 17th-20th August .

On behalf of the executive committee I would

like to congratulate Dianne Jones for her suc-

cessful application for funding to support her

postgraduate studies In Nurse Practitioner.

Good Luck Di. I attended the 16th International

European Association of Urology Nurses

(EAUN) conference in Madrid. This was a fan-

tastic meeting the program highlighted the great

work of nurses in Europe. There were three other

Australian Urology Nurses (all from Victoria)

who attended this meeting, which was a

great effort.

Emma Birch (Robotic Nurse Coordinator

Peter Mac Callum Cancer Centre) gave an

excellent presentation on her work with Ro-

boCare-Validation of a nurse led robotic

prostatectomy care pathway. I presented a

poster on “Lets Talk about sex”- a prospec-

tive audit of a nurse practitioner led sexual

health and erectile dysfunction clinic. It is

encouraging to see fellow colleagues present-

ing at an International forum.

The EAUN also presented their 2015 In-

travesical guidelines. This is a fantastic re-

source available for nurses working in this

area. I am presenting an overview of these

guidelines at the VUNS-Bladder cancer

meeting next weekend.

I would to take this opportunity to encour-

age nurses to apply for funding to assist with

their professional development and present

their work at any of the urological confer-

ences. It is really a great experience.

To sum up, I would like to thank all the

VUNS executive committee for their pas-

sion, hard work and support and encourage

new members to join this great team.

See you all at the AGM 25th July

Kath Schubach

Australian Nursing & Midwifery Federation

June 2015 Volume 1, Issue 19

Newsletter

Newsletter Editor: Thea Connor

E-mail:

[email protected]

Deadline for next

Newsletter: August 2015

Inside this issue:

Chairperson Report 1

Editor’s Report 2

Victorian Urological

Nurses Society scholar-

ship report 2015

3

VUNS Education

Meetings 2015

4

ANZUNS/USANZ ASM combined

CONFERENCE 11 -14 April 2015

20TH ANZUNS ANNUAL Meeting

4-5

ANSUNS/

USANZCONFERENCE

2015

6-7

Urology in Vanuatu 8

VUNS

VUNS executive committee are busy creating a new website for members. It is

going to be user friendly and easy for members to access VUNS information.

Will keep you posted when it is officially launched.

Page 2 Newsletter - June 2015

VUNS

If you would like

to contribute to

the newsletter

please contact

Thea Connor

via email

vunssecretary@gmail.

com

Editor’s Report June 2015

IMPORTANT: As of 2012, all

new memberships and renewals will

be by bank transfer only to:

Victorian Urological Nurses

Society BSB: 033-395

Account: 11-0933

Territory Manager VIC

Hollister

6/345 Ingles Street, Port Melbourne 3207

Wendy Wintersgill RN

Mobile: 0417 0117 98

E-mail: [email protected]

Denise Barr

Mobile: 0438 532 253


What a busy year it’s been so far!

On the 2nd May, the VUNS committee presented for the novice nurse on Care of the

Patient with Prostate Cancer: Treatments and Nursing Implications. This study day

was well presented by Nurses and the feedback received was positive. Comments

such as ‘very informative day, great presenters with interesting topics’, ‘the program

was focused on prostate cancer which I felt flowed through the whole patient’s jour-

ney...’ , ‘ a brilliant program...’ Suggestions for future topics to be considered for

next year include bladder stones, nephrostomy tubes, catheter guidelines, paraplegia/

quadriplegia and continence, funding options for continence pads and supplies and

catheter guidelines.

Our session discussed the importance of pelvic floor exercises before a Radical Prosta-

tectomy. Whislt some of our patients are fortunate to have Extras Health insurance

to assist with funding sessions to see a Continence Physiotherapist, other patients are

not so fortunate. Through the GP, patients are able to access funding under the

Chronic Diseases Management Plan. I have attached information obtain from the

Department of Health to assist staff. Please encourage your patients to visit their GP

to discuss this further.

A big thank you to Morena Vallese from Abbvie for sponsoring our morning tea , a

big thank you to our guest presenters Dr Jos Jayarajan Urologist, Dr Babak Tamjid

Medical Oncologist, Dr Nainaben Dhana Radiation Onologist Education, Hayley

Iriving Continence Physiotherapist and a big thank you to all the committee mem-

bers involved.

I was able to attend the USANZ ASM in Adelaide in April. The program both scien-

tific and nursing was very informative. Well done to the organising committee. The

VUNS committee was able to sponsor two nurses to attend this conference. Both

Kim and Rose have provided a well detailed article on their experience. Many thanks

to Carla for also providing a detailed article on her experience including feedback

from the ANZUNS General Meeting.

We look forward to seeing you all at Meeting of the Waters on July 25th. At the end

of this meeting, the VUNS committee will hold it’s annual AGM. For those attend-

ing MOW, it would be ideal if you remained behind for this meeting. Any person

wishing to join the committee is welcome to do so on the day.

Thea Connor

Newsletter

mailto:[email protected]



VUNS

Territory Manager VIC

Hollister

6/345 Ingles Street, Port Melbourne 3207

Wendy Wintersgill RN

Mobile: 0417 0117 98


Denise Barr

Mobile: 0438 532 253


Arthur Taft

Sales Consultant- Victoria

Phone: 1300886601

Fax: 1300886602

Mobile: 0450068992


www.brightsky.com.au

Victorian Urological Nurses Society scholarship report 2015

The receipt of VUNS scholarship allowed me to attend the Urological Society of Australia and New Zealand 2015

Annual Scientific Meeting (USANZ ASM 2015 ) which was held 11-14 April 2015 at the Adelaide Convention

Centre. I would like to thank the VUNS executive committee members for this fantastic opportunity and the

financial support, it is greatly appreciated.

Attending the conference allowed further education and enhancement of current skills encompassing a broad

range of extremely relevant topics. Providing the opportunity to learn from experts in the field with regards to

recent studies, the results of clinical trials, new developments as well as listening to differing professional opinions

on current topics. As well as enabling development of professional relationships and continued formation of a

network of contacts specific to the area of urology, visiting the trade display offered the opportunity to peruse

the latest products from various companies.

The scientific program covered a diverse range of topics. Presenters discussed the potential ‘dark side’ of surgery/

medicine, state of the art equipment and procedures along with an overview of where urology is heading in the

future. The quality of the posters and presentations was very high.

The ANZUN’s program was very interesting and well attended. Elizabeth English was inspirational when speak-

ing of her work and experiences in Kenya related to stoma, wound and continence development. Jacinta Town-

send discussed bladder diaries and how adapting these has improved patient compliance in her place of clinical

practice. Allen Morey spoke of his extensive experience with urological prosthesis, providing an update on Artifi-

cial Urinary Sphincters and looking at surgical solutions for challenging penile prosthesis.

The trade display provided much information on various products. Of particular interest were the coude tip in-

dwelling catheter, uro tainer citric acid flushes for persistent catheter blockers and BoNee needles that may allow

us to perform botox injections within our practice.

Attending the conference was on the whole very enjoyable and has contributed to my continuing professional

development enormously. I would like to thank VUNS once again fro this wonderful opportunity.

Kim Mackley

Urology Nurse Specialist Coordinator

Ballarat Urology




VUNS


Angelo Pierobon

Territory Manager

Urology & Gynaecology Vic & Tas

Mobile: 0420 959 831

Education Meetings 2015

12 - 14 July 2015 ANZUP 2015 Annual Scientific Meeting (ASM)

Venue: Sofitel Wentworth Sydney

http://www.anzup.org.au

25 July 2015 Meeting of the Waters– Melbourne

25 - 26 July 2015 LUTS Meeting 2015 (as part of Voiding Dysfunction Symposium)

Venue: Sydney

17 - 21 August 2015 Prostate Cancer Congress Cairns Convention Centre, Cairns, Queensland

http://prostatecancercongress.org.au/

Registration now open

14 - 18 October 2015 35th Congress of the Societe Internationale D 'Urologie (SIU)

Venue: Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC)

http://www.siucongress.org/

October/November Journal Meeting for Advanced Nurse (TBC)

I had the opportunity to attend the combined USANZ/ANZUNS conference at the new Convention Centre on the banks of the river Torrens in charming Adelaide, South Australia. It was great to meet colleagues new and old and network with urology, specialist nurses and doctors from Australia, New Zealand and internationally.

Thank-you Natalie Parker the Convener and Donna Clifford Scientific Program Convener for ANZUNS, for a robust and inter-esting program.

Participating at the conference and engagement opens many possibilities, and by attending these presentations you can learn, improve your skills and enhance your knowledge. It is not for the faint hearted, as there are so many excellent present-ers you have to choose from and then negotiate a speedy path from one location to another.

The optional workshops which I attended were the Uro-Oncology Renal Cancer diagnosis: a multidisciplinary approach to treatment with Mary Leahy and the Advanced Nursing Practice workshop: a comprehensive and thorough look at Urological Clinical examination with Yvette Sullivan. Both sessions were excellent and interactive with information and resources that I am able to incorporate into my practice.

The Nurse’s faculty in Adelaide of inspiring women and exceptional keynote speakers included:

Elizabeth English AM: A Stomal Therapy & Wound care nurse and communicator, lead a team of nurses to the First Stoma Wound & Continence Program and sustainability project to Kenya in Africa. They were faced with challenging and confronting experiences with minimal resources whilst mentoring local nurses.

Professor Bogda Koczwara AM: A Medical Oncologist from Flinders Centre for Innovation in Cancer who is leading Survivor-ship programs that strengthen relationships between specialists and primary care especially for rural cancer patients.

ANZUNS/USANZ ASM combined CONFERENCE 11 -14 April 2015 20TH ANZUNS ANNUAL Meeting Report

http://www.anzup.org.au

http://prostatecancercongress.org.au/


VUNS

Associate Professor Nirit Rosenblum: A Urologist and International speaker from USA specialising in female Urology, bladder dysfunction and male incontinence.

The Harry Harris Oration delivered by Prof. Corey J.A. Bradshaw who spoke on the impact and interaction of our environ-ment on human wealth, health and wellbeing.

At the AGM I represented Kath Schubach in her absence, while she was in Europe. The meeting highlighted the challenges ahead with ongoing funding requirements and expectations. Position holders who are volunteers were acknowledged for their generous and passionate input. The recruitment of roles to maintain and continue our professional societies remains a challenge with some roles unable to be filled.

It was great to see that the Nursing Professional Development Diamond Award this year went to David Gray: a Victorian nurse acknowledged for his hard work and contribution to Urological nursing.

Socially we were kept busy from the Welcome Reception, the Bard Nurses Educa-tion Evening with a fun photo booth, to the formal Gala dinner at the Adelaide Cricket Ground. A wacky cover band kept everyone on their feet dancing. Urology nurses work hard but can party even harder.

From the Industry and trade exhibition we thank them for their continued support with innovations, expertise, sponsorships and scholarships.

The benefits of attending a conference can far outweigh the costs associated with it.

It provides a chance to meet new people, expand your professional network and learn what other people in your field are doing which you can apply to improve your practice. If this has inspired you, see you next year on the Gold Coast.

Carla D’Amico

Prostate Cancer Specialist Nurse Austin Health

ANZUNS/USANZ ASM combined CONFERENCE 11 -14 April 2015 20TH ANZUNS ANNUAL Meeting Report– continued


VUNS

I was fortunate enough to attend this years’ ANUNS/USANZconference

which was held at the Adelaide Convention Centre from the 11th – 14th of

April. As a member of VUNS I applied for and was accepted to receive

funding to attend the conference; a great privilege. The Convention Centre

is located in the heart of Adelaide’s CBD within walking distance from Ade-

laide’s major hotels, on the banks of the Torrens and close to the Adelaide

Oval.Originally from NZ, Adelaide’s size and pace reminds me a little of

home. I work at Peninsula Health in charge of the urology theatre at

Frankston Hospital and try to attend this conference at least biannually.

……….Author Rose Bush

This year two of my nursing colleagues attended the conference with me, one for the first time.

We managed to score a great accommodation deal at the Stamford Plaza which is always a good thing when funds are

limited. It’s central location and great facilities made our stay that much more enjoyable. As with previous conferences

there is not much down time between attending the sessions, checking out the trade exhibitors (without whom the con-

ference would not be possible), networking and attending social functions.

I’ve never been one to shy away from a few late nights, we all know there is

nothing relaxing about participating in conferences especially if you want

to maximize your experience. This picture shows my view of the Adelaide

Convention Centrewhilst taking the scenic route back to my accommoda-

tion along the banks of the Torrens after a day of sitting and listening; it

was great to be out in the fresh air and to enjoy the surroundings.

THE PROGRAM

Our registration covered both the nursing and doctors’ streams of the con-

ference which enabled my colleagues and me to attend a broader range of

topics and to choose specific areas that are relevant to our practice. Saturday was dedicated to specific workshops. We

weren’t fortunate enough to attend the Saturday sessions but I have heard from reliable sources that these were well at-

tended and well worth participating in. Workshop topics included but were not limited to; HOLEP technique, penile

implant master class, practical surgical pearls to improve flexibleureteroscopy success rate, Uro-Oncology Nursing- renal

cancer, general urology rehab workshop. There was a plethora of international experts presenting on a variety of subspe-

cialties within urology; novice presenters also featured strongly in both programs. Combined (nursing and doctors) plena-

ry sessions kick started each day;topics discussed included PSA screening, stone treatment, safety of surgery, dangers of

radiation. After morning tea each day USANZ presentations were divided into four categories which ran concurrently.

These were; Uro-oncology, Female urology, Endo-urology and LUTS/BPH with abstract sessions thrown in the mix.

The ANUNS presentations also covered a broad range of topics including; learning packages for intermittent catheterisa-

tion, development of a PCNL drape, bladder diary, and chemical free cleaning in the OR. Poster presentations were dis-

played at the back of the exhibitors’ area for all to read during the conference. If you know a colleague that went to the

conference ask them if you can borrow their program handbook as it has copies of theabstracts.

It can be quite daunting trying to decide which presentations to attend especially as I had the choice from both confer-

ence streams. Presentations that peaked my interest were ones that were pertinent to my practice in the operating room

and new developments in procedures and equipment used in urology that facilitate best practice and patient outcomes. I

like to be organised and to know which lectures I am going to attend each day to maximize my learning experience and

for ease of moving between rooms. I also generally choose a couple of topics that aren’t specifically related to my area of

practice for interest sake and to broaden my knowledge base, after all you never know when a change of career may come

along!

ANSUNS/USANZCONFERENCE 2015 Report


VUNS

Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy Drape (IndraJolayemi) - It’s always great to see that team work pays off. The team at

Casey have developed a drape specifically for modified supine PCNL cases. We still do our PCNLs prone but if we should

change I will know where to look for guidance. Indra has been helpful in the past when we were setting up for HOLEP

procedures, this is where networking at conferences can play an important role.

A little thing called a bladder diary (Jacinta Townsend) – Innovative and informative. Whilst this is not an area I prac-

tice in I gained new knowledge in this area and liked how the trial was conducted and how the presentation of the process

and results was delivered to the group.

Chemical free cleaning – The way of the future (Diane Tregus) – Wow this is truly a new and potentially trend changing

initiative that Moorabbin theatres have taken on board. I look forward to updates on how it continues to develop and

progress.

Laser Enucleation of the prostate (Peter Gilling) versus Laser Ablation of the prostate (Kelly Parsons) – The debate was

delivered by two very passionate Urologists both presented evidence on their choice of procedure and delivered it in an

interesting way. I did enjoy the banter and inferences between the two speakers.

Female Urology – Vaginal Skin and other vaginal pathologies an overview (Roy Watson)/ Female urethral reconstruction

(Nirit Robinson) – Both talks were informative and visual; being of the fairer sex it did make me want to cross my legs at

times. Emphasis was placed on correct identification and pathology before deciding on treatment. We currently don’t

perform female reconstructive surgery at Frankston but perhaps we will in the future.

Other sessions I attended included; uro-trauma, partial nephrectomy, female slings, the future of robotics in medicine.

Presentations that are specific to my practice for example; stone surgery, don’t always

present new information but instead help to confirm that our practice is in keeping with

current trends and evidence.

NETWORKING Aside from the learning opportunities of conferences I believe that they offer the oppor-

tunity to build professional networks. Trade exhibitors play a vital role not only in con-

ference sponsorship but in educating us on their latest equipment developments. The

trade hall is a great place to explore, you never know who you might run into and what new device you might find. I am

often too busy at work to keep abreast of all relevant product developments so I made a concerted effort at the confer-

ence to explore the company booths and talk with the reps. The trade hall is also a great place to catch up with col-

leagues; I managed to chat with a number of our previous urology registrars and fellow nurses. It is always interesting to

find out what other hospitals are doing and what people have been up to.

I admit I do enjoy socializing and the conference certainly allowed me to mix business and pleasure. There were a num-

ber of organized social events of which I attended the welcome reception, and a dinner hosted by AbbVie. We also

caught up for drinks with a colleague who I met at my first ANSUNS conference in Darwin in 2012. The Gala ball was

held at the Adelaide Oval, we didn’t attend but I heard it was a good night. Attending the conference was a great experi-

ence and I highly recommend it. Thanks again to VUNS for your financial support.


VUNS

Lots of you know that I have been involved in Urology trips to Vanuatu.

Funded by AusAid and co-ordinated by RACS, this is part of the Pacific Is-

lands Project, providing assistance to many of our close island neighbours

over a variety of specialties. Our team is led by Richard Grills and involves

not only his surgical expertise but also anaesthetic support and the skills of 2

nurses. My involvement takes me back to a past life as a theatre nurse, which

is a change from my work here in Australia. Our other nurse this year was

Rebecca Flanagan, the Prostate Care Nurse here in Geelong. She had to call

on her ward skills to guide the post-operative care of our surgical patients. It

just goes to show that the rich tapestry of nursing experience can prove an

invaluable tool in being part of achieving rewarding results in unexpected

situations. That applies here in our resource-rich country as well as develop-

ing nations.

We did 25 operations in 10 days. Some were basic like TURP’s – basic here,

but not so easy over there. Imagine runningmultiple washouts with a limited

supply of fluids and 2 nurses to 30 patients. Becc was a champion at guiding

the ward nurses through salvation manual washouts and successful trial of

voids. A donated bladder scanner (thanks Verathon) was a gift that left huge

smiles on the faces of our Ni-Van nursing colleagues. They couldn’t believe

their luck.

Other operations were much more complex. We did a nephrectomy for a tu-

mour the size of a football on my birthday – it was the most precious gift my

boss could hand me after many hours struggling to deliver that baby safely.

He did give me lobster and champagne for dinner as icing on the cake, which

was nearly as enjoyable. PCNL was next on the cards and we finished off with

a simple urethroplasty. Simple? With a 10cm defect and a buccal graft, I had

to scrounge around for the instruments and equipment needed. We really had to think outside the square and

use whatever we had available to best advantage. My surgeon certainly showed his skill, as did our anaesthe-

tist, in reaching a satisfactory and satisfying conclusion.

We have been working hard over the last 7 years in providing education and equipment for capacity-building

as well as service provision, so it has been gratifying to witness the progress of the basic Urology service they

can now provide in Vanuatu. Being a small part of that process is worth the hours of hard work – it sounds

attractive to be working in a tropical location but it was no holiday! The ravages of Cyclone Pam were still

evident although they have done a great job in starting the cleaning-up process, and we only had one small

earthquake – it shook me on the inside rather than causing any structural damage!

If you have a chance to be involved in something like this,

take your skills and jump in. Sharing your expertise where it

is most needed in this world is reward in itself, whether you

are in downtown Melbourne or the South Pacific.

Author: Christine Redpath

Specialist Urology Nurse

West Coast Urology

Urology in Vanuatu

VUNS

Newsletter - June 2015 Page 9

Prostate Cancer World Congress 2015: SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS

VUNS is offering three (3) scholarships to attend the Prostate Cancer World Congress meeting in Cairns on August 17th-21st 2015

The aim of the award is to provide VUNS members with the opportunity to advance their knowledge and skills in urologi-cal nursing namely prostate cancer by providing assistance to attend the Prostate Cancer World Congress meeting in cairns.

One grant will cover registration, flights and accommodation up to the value of $2,000. This grant is for the novice urolo-gy nurse or first time scholarship application.

The remaining two grants will cover nursing registration only.

To be eligible the applicant must be a financial member of VUNS for at least 12 month prior to application

Application Process:

Scholarship criteria and application forms are attached

Applications close 26th June 2015

Late applications will not be accepted

Applications must be made using the correct application form and emailed to [email protected] otherwise they will be considered invalid

All applicants will be notified of the outcome of their application via email by the 30th June 2015.

If you are provided with the above funding, please remember to submit evidence of registration and for the novice

nurse, evidence of registration, flights and accommodation.

Nurses granted funding must write an article for the newsletter within 3-6 months of attendance.

VUNS executive committee


VUNS

Newsletter - June 2015 Page 10

Meet your committee Members 2015

Kelly Beer

Warringal Private Hospital

Surgical Case Manager

Interests - Urology surgery, bladder cancer

management

Pat Bugeja

The Royal Melbourne Hospital

Urology Clinical Nurse Consultant / Nurse

Cystoscopist

Interests - Bladder cancer, research, prostate

cancer

Melissa Caruso

Monash health- Casey Hospital and Moorabbin

campus

Urology Clinical Nurse Consultant

Interests - prostate cancer, BPH, and voiding

dysfunction

Thea Connor

North East Urology

Private practice Nurse Consultant

Interests - Neurogenic bladder, erectile dys-

function, prostate cancer

Luke Derriman

The Alfred Hospital

Consultant Nurse

Interests - Urology / Continence

Hollie Donovan

Launceston General Hospital , operating suite

Clinical Urology Nurse – theatre management

Interests - Large open urology surgery and

stone surgery

Ros Lawrence

Private Urology Nurse Consultant

Interests - Urology and continence

Germana Ryan

Waverley Private Hospital

Urology/Continence Nurse Consultant

Interests - Neurogenic bladder, voiding &

bowel dysfunction

Kath Schubach

Peter Mac Callum Cancer Centre

Nurse Practitioner-Uro Oncology

Interests - Genito urinary cancers, erectile

dysfunction

Carla D’Amico

Austin Health

Prostate Care Specialist Nurse

VUNS Disclaimer Information has been provided for this newsletter in good faith to inform our membership. While every effort is made to keep the newsletter current, no warranty is made by the contributors, expressed or implied, as to the accuracy of the information contained in this newsletter.

VUNS Committee 2014/2015

Chairperson Kath Schubach

Secretary Melissa Caruso

Treasurer Pat Bugeja

Membership Secretary Carla D’Amico

Newsletter Editor Thea Connor

ANZUNS Representative Kath Schubach

General Committee Members Kelly Beer

Luke Derriman

Hollie Donovan - Tasmanian

Representative

Ros Lawrence - Past Secretary

Germana Ryan

All correspondence to be directed to:

Carole de Greenlaw

VUNS

C/- ANMF (Vic Branch)

Box 12600 A’Beckett Street PO

MELBOURNE VIC 8006


Australian Nursing & Midwifery Federation (Victorian Branch)

We’re on the Web:

anmfvic.asn.au/sigs/

New Post Graduate Scholarships

VUNS is offering members a great opportunity to apply for financial as-

sistance towards post graduate study. The purpose of this scholarship is

to provide financial assistance to members of VUNS Special Interest

Group that are enrolled in Urological post graduate studies that directly

enhance the applicant’s professional learning.

Please find attached the application guidelines as well as the application

form.

Seen anything interesting and

would love to share it?

Feel free to send articles and

case studies to Thea Conner:

[email protected]

Meet your committee Members 2015

Australian Nursing & Midwifery Federation Newsletter · Our session discussed the importance of pelvic floor exercises before a Radical Prosta- ... Attending the conference allowed

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