|
Dear ASHHNA Members,
Welcome to the Autumn edition of your quarterly newsletter!
My name is Kendall Buckley one of your new 2021 Executive Committee Members. I, with the assistance of Kate Fisher, look after our website (soon to undergo some changes that I hope you will like) in addition to producing your quarterly newsletter.
Now, I am by all accounts considered green in the world of sexual health nursing however this became most apparent to me when I asked all new and existing committee members to update their professional bios (soon to be published on our website). Like most of us, when it comes to any form of self-promotion, we suck at it so naturally it required quite a lot of prodding, poking, prompting and questions to illicit information. I probably (definitely) annoyed them in the process and there were likely thoughts of ‘who does she think she is?’ (unconfirmed) but I am glad I did it because in the process what it highlighted, is just how passionate, experienced, educated, skilled, resourceful, committed and impactful the community of sexual health nursing is. It is for this very reason that I have introduced to your newsletter the Featured Member an opportunity to acknowledge and recognise just how wonderful you are, even if it is your peers that hear. If you think someone in your team is deserving of some praise, please get in touch in time for the next issue.
In this edition we have had a number of contributions from resourceful and innovative members, as well as a number of informative and amusing reports from ASHHNA scholarship recipients. The month of April is also PMDD awareness month, if you don't know what it is click on the links to find out more. I have also contributed to this edition in the form of a book review where I thought I’d play it safe in my first contribution and broach the topic of race. I have also added a few different peer-reviewed journal articles and publications that you might find of interest, all attached for your convenience.
As always, if you find something of interest, chances are we will too so please get in touch to share what you have found. Additionally, if you have any feedback, comments, or criticism please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Enjoy!
Kx
|
|
|
Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) is a cyclical, hormone-based mood disorder with symptoms arising during the premenstrual, or luteal phase of the menstrual cycle and subsiding within a few days of menstruation. It affects an estimated 5 - 8% of women and AFAB individuals of reproductive age.
While PMDD is directly connected to the menstrual cycle, it is not a hormone imbalance. PMDD is a severe negative reaction in the brain to the natural rise and fall of estrogen and progesterone. It is a suspected cellular disorder in the brain. Symptoms can worsen over time and or around reproductive events such as menarche (the first menstrual cycle), pregnancy, birth, miscarriage, and perimenopause.
Those with PMDD are at increased risk for suicide and suicidal behaviour. Many people with PMDD, though not all, have a history of sexual trauma or depression. There is no blood or saliva test to diagnose PMDD although these tests can rule out other underlying disorders. The only way to diagnose PMDD is by tracking symptoms daily for at least two menstrual cycles.
Symptoms include:
- Mood/emotional changes (e.g. mood swings, feeling suddenly sad or tearful, or increased sensitivity to rejection)
- Irritability, anger, or increased interpersonal conflict
- Depressed mood, feelings of hopelessness, feeling worthless or guilty
- Anxiety, tension, or feelings of being keyed up or on edge
- Decreased interest in usual activities (e.g., work, school, friends, hobbies)
- Difficulty concentrating, focusing, or thinking; brain fog
- Tiredness or low-energy
- Changes in appetite, food cravings, overeating, or binge eating
- Hypersomnia (excessive sleepiness) or insomnia (trouble falling or staying asleep)
- Feeling overwhelmed or out of control
- Physical symptoms such as breast tenderness or swelling, joint or muscle pain, bloating or weight gain
A diagnosis of PMDD requires the presence of at least five of these symptoms, one of which must be a "core emotional symptom" (one of the first four symptoms listed in bold).
For more information on PMDD head to IAPMD.
If you have a confirmed PMDD diagnosis and would be interested in contributing to the very small body of research that currently exists on this topic, register your interest here.
|
|
|
Contact Tracing - Critical in Stopping the Spread of Syphilis
by True Relationships and Reproductive Health
Queensland, like many other states in Australia, has seen a rise in syphilis cases alongside a general increase in STIs. Queensland Health is concerned by an increase in infectious syphilis in people of reproductive age that has led to a rise in congenital syphilis and other pregnancy complications.
Specialising in sexual reproductive health, nurse practitioner Monica Vitale is determined to spread the word across the state’s hospitals and health services about the rising rates of syphilis and the risk to pregnancy. She has seen how essential contact tracing is to prevention and with funding from Queensland Health, has developed a unique training kit – the Antenatal Sexual health Kit (ASK) – to help educate antenatal clinicians.
Contact tracing aims to locate those who have been in contact with someone who has been diagnosed with syphilis to advise them to seek treatment to prevent further infection and reinfection. This is essential to minimise harm to unknowing pregnant mothers and their babies as congenital syphilis can cause complications including still birth and the child being born with a disability.
Monica says that contact tracing can be daunting, but clinicians aren’t alone and there are steps and services that can help guide clinicians through this process.
“Ultimately, the job of contact tracing is critical to an unborn baby,” Monica explains. “Antenatal staff cannot protect their patient properly unless every possible source of infection has been notified and treated.”
One of the services that supports treating clinicians is the Queensland Syphilis Surveillance Service (QSSS). It provides information about a client’s history of syphilis infection to assist in the diagnosis, management, education and treatment. The service maintains a secure, confidential, state-wide database for the purpose of accuracy in syphilis reporting, monitoring trends in notifications and improving the management of individuals affected by syphilis.
The ASK training program is free for all antenatal clinicians and explains how to undertake a sexual health assessment and how to initiate contact tracing and partner notification discussions.
Participants can claim CPD points on successful completion of the course, which includes a 45-minute webinar, 4 online self-paced learning modules, a podcast series, an online resource hub and anonymous online forum.
ASK was launched recently by True Relationships and Reproductive Health, developed in accordance with Queensland Health Syphilis in Pregnancy (SiP) Guidelines and endorsed by Queensland Health and the Australian College of Midwives.
Registration is essential for access to the training kit and CPD points. For more information, click here.
Please email the ASK program coordinator for any enquiries email ask@true.org.au
|
|
|
The NSW Gay Asian Men Survey
2021
|
|
|
The NSW Gay Asian Men Survey 2021 has just launched!
It aims to identify and assesses the HIV and STI needs among Asian-identify gay men and other MSM living in NSW.
A unique feature of this survey is its strong focus on culture, race and human mobility on sexual health. Eligible participants have a chance to win one of ten $100 Visa gift cards.
To ensure this survey can be as effective as possible share it far and wide amongst your NSW friends and colleagues.
|
|
|
Nurses Caring for Nurses
Podcast [1:45]
by Ailsa Allen
Research Nurse | RPH Sexual Health | WA
|
|
|
The below text was shared by Ailsa Allen, her hope is for you to listen and share it, with the hope it will reach those who need it most.
I'm reaching out to all nurses, past, present and future, to forward this message to nurses and other health professionals who are overwhelmed by the enormity of the Covid Pandemic impact.
Some reports are now mentioning PTSD symptoms as well as the high levels of burnout in their nursing staff although, they are still needing to press on due to enormous workloads and shortage of staff because of staff illness and personal caring responsibilities.
It is only a small gesture but from experience I know when people are in crisis it is often the reaching out from complete strangers that touches the weary heart. I have put together a very short podcast and hoping this will bounce out globally from nurses forwarding it on through email or your social media from the link below. We are an enormous part of the caring profession, it is what we do, so let's start with our own and hopefully other health professionals will be included along the way.
I am starting this request with email as I have contacts who can access several email data bases and maintain confidentiality but hopefully the link will soon be taken up with your social media which will have a far wider reach.
Thank you, take care and whenever possible have some fun,
Ailsa x
If you would like to contact Ailsa, you can do so here.
Help Ailsa share her message by clicking on the below links!
|
|
|
ASHHNA Carol Martin Scholarship Report
by Adam Spinks
Nurse Practitioner | Sexual Health & HIV Services | Metro North
American Academy of HIV Medicine (AAHIVM) – HIV Specialists Credentialing Exam
+
"Fundamentals of HIV Medicine"
Textbook
|
|
|
Currently, there is no credentialing process for non-medical health care professionals in Australia for HIV specialisation. A colleague bought to my attention the American Academy of HIV Medicine and their credentialing process. Upon review, I saw it as an opportunity to benchmark my knowledge on HIV care against peers globally, and to further consolidate existing knowledge following accreditation as a S100 HIV prescriber. By becoming a credentialed and accredited HIV Specialist Nurse Practitioner, I can be a mentor and resource to my nursing colleagues, and importantly, provide current evidence-based HIV specialist nursing care to my patient cohort.
The HIV Specialists credentialing exam is available to Medical Officers, Physician’s Assistants, and Nurse Practitioners who are caring for people living with HIV. There are also credentialing exams for HIV Pharmacists and HIV researchers.
The eligibility criteria to apply for the exam are that candidates must complete a minimum of 45 credits or activity hours of HIV and/or HCV related continuing education within the 36 months preceding the date of application, and be managing a caseload of over 25 patient with HIV.
The exam covers four domains of Prevention, Diagnosis and testing, Treatment and Management, and Professional Responsibility; and consists of 125 case-based, 4-option multiple choice items. It is open-book, un-proctored, and untimed. The exams are available in either online or paper-based format. There are several exam periods throughout the year. The questions are directed towards the US Healthcare system and guidelines. This, I found slightly tricky on some questions around management of OI or commencing ARV as the guidelines/preferred treatments differ slightly to Australian guidelines.
Results notification is sent via e-mail approximately 6 weeks after the close of the testing window and are a pass/fail result. The Academy doesn’t provide a numerical score so you cannot know how many were correctly answered… slightly frustrating for those who like a percentage score. Credentials are valid for three years after the date of conferral. I received my results in early Jan 2021 and I passed!
Fundamentals of HIV Medicine textbook is authored by more than 50 expert clinicians in immunology, HIV epidemiology, gerontology, substance abuse treatment, infectious disease medicine, and other fields central to its medical management. There are chapters on epidemiology, natural history, immunology, testing, history and examination, complementary and alternative medicine, the pharmacist role in care, the NP role in care, ARV therapy, body systems and HIV, and research design in HIV medicine. The textbook is a valuable resource for clinicians, though intended and tailored to the US Healthcare system and guidelines, the resource still has valuable information and offers continuing education hours.
I would like to thank ASHHNA for the support to complete this credentialing process.
|
|
ASHHNA Australasian HIV & AIDS Conference Scholarship Report
by Lizzie Scally
Clinical Nurse Specialist | Sydney Sexual Health Centre
ASHM 2020 Joint Australasian HIV&AIDS and Sexual Health Conference
I was very grateful to ASHHNA for receipt of a scholarship to attend the conference in November. For most attendees this was our first virtual conference experience, and it was also the first time I have had the opportunity to present some of my own research as a poster.
The content at this year’s conference was truly overwhelming here are some of my symposium highlights:
Symposium: Pleasure in a pandemic
The experiences of human sexual pleasure are diverse and fundamental to health and wellbeing, yet pleasure is considered taboo, even in sexual health services
- Through ‘The Pleasure Project’ Anne Philpott is on a mission to centre pleasure in our work as sexual health service providers, and challenge us all to leave the sex negative, fear-based messages about danger and disease in the past.
- It’s always fantastic to hear Jax Jacki Brown reframing the experience of living with a disability. The ongoing exclusion of people with a disability from sexuality and reproduction was highlighted, with this gap widening during COVID (imagine how lockdown would feel in a group home with no mobile or internet). They urge us to consider ‘what can people with disabilities teach you about pleasure?’
- Zahra Stardust reminded us that sex workers have long been innovative public health leaders and crisis mobilisers. Convening the National Cabinet of Whores to coordinate a national sex worker response to the pandemic and developing health promotion resources, it has never been more obvious how important it is to have strong and supported sex worker organisations.
- Kiran Pienaar presented their Chemical Pleasures project on how LGBTQ Australians experience drug consumption, and we are reminded that the narrow focus on harm reduction of illicit drugs only serves to pathologise sexualised drug use in queer communities, ignoring the intersection of illicit and licit drugs (including ARVs) in queer experiences of pleasure, connection and intimacy. Read more in their publication “Drugs as technologies of the self: Enhancement and transformation in LGBTQ cultures”.
HIV Symposium: ARV effects enhancement and transformation (Dean Murphy, Martin Holt, Shana Hughes, Stephen Molldrem, Chris Williams, Kane Race, Christopher Howard)
- Structural inequalities drive HIV transmission, and elimination of HIV is only one part of making people’s lives better, especially for CALD and Indigenous communities
- The narrow focus on biomedical approaches and clinical outcomes in HIV policy assumes PLHIV have no other needs beyond an UDVL/retention in care. The effects of stigma are well known, so where are the resources for stigma-reduction?
- While U=U has eliminated transmission risk; it has not yet eliminated sexual rejection! U=U is still not widely known or trusted, even in urban Sydney
- In the US, biomedical methods of prevention are now routinely incorporated into public health surveillance and criminalisation of PLHIV unable to achieve or maintain an UDVL
Research on the lived experience of HIV care in QLD was presented by Christopher Howard at this session. Here’s the beautifully illustrated map “Journeys through the HIV care continuum”:
|
|
Symposium: The Syphilis Epidemic
- Belinda Hengel provided an update on the changing epidemiology of syphilis in Australian women. There were 84 cases of infectious syphilis among Indigenous women in 2011 increasing to 345 in 2018 (44 times higher than non-Indigenous women). Congenital syphilis is still rising, and the rate is 15 times higher in Indigenous babies. Syphilis cases in non-Indigenous women are also rising, especially in urban areas.
- James Ward provided a (cautiously) optimistic update on the syphilis epidemic in Indigenous communities – the growth in cases is slowing, there is a decreasing trend in QLD, NT and WA and the age is shifting to an older group. Check out the health promotion campaign here.
- Deborah Williamson explained exciting developments in syphilis genome sequencing and how molecular epidemiology of syphilis can help track Australian outbreak. In future, PCR assays may also help us differentiate between active and serofast syphilis J
- Janet Towns described the findings of the SOS study from MSHC, which involved PCR testing of MSM with early syphilis (to be published soon in Lancet Infectious Diseases). Occult syphilis was common, with 15% of participants having lesions only discovered on thorough examination. Multisite PCR positivity was common (particularly in secondary syphilis), and the photo documentation of positive PCR oral and anal lesions strongly reinforces the need to maintain a high degree of suspicion!
Thanks to everyone who presented at the conference. It was awesome to be reminded of the hard work, dedication and resilience of our sector through 2020 and beyond.
|
|
|
Carol Martin Scholarship Report
By Patrice Halliday
Clinical Nurse | Brisbane Sexual Health and HIV Service (substantive)
Clinical Nurse Consultant | COVID-19 IMT (secondment)
Immunisation Program Nurse (IPN) Training
I have worked in the sexual health and HIV field for 9+ years. While I have pursued varied study over the years, an area I was keen to extend my knowledge on were Immunisations. I am appreciative to have received the Carol Martin Scholarship to support the completion of my Immunisation Program Nurse (IPN) training, through the Cunningham Centre in Queensland. The course took six months to complete, with three online learning module assignments and a practical immunisation assessment. My aim in completing the course was to extend my knowledge of all vaccines and improve my ability to better engage with individuals who may be reluctant to vaccinate.
Immunisation education is an important part of my role as a sexual health and HIV nurse. In Queensland, I work under the Health (Drugs and Poisons) Regulation 1996 Drug Therapy Protocol (DTP) – Sexual Health Program Nurse. Under this DTP, and supported by my employers Health Management Protocol, I am expected to have a good understanding of the fundamentals of vaccination and safely administered vaccines, as they are a routine component in our client health assessments. Some of the vaccines administered at the clinic include: Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Gardasil, Prevenar 13, Pneumovax 23 and Fluvax. I am confident that my further learning has improved my assessment of individuals’ requirements for vaccination and improved discussions on benefits, risks, side effects and efficacy of the above-named vaccinations.
The course cemented my existing knowledge and extended my understanding of legal aspects in being an IPN, vaccine storage and introduced me to catch-up schedules for children. While my specific focus is adult immunisation, it was beneficial to be challenged on the potential complexities of childhood catch-up vaccinations and the different scenarios that may occur when considering timing of vaccinations, any contraindications and potential vaccine side effects.
This past year, the SARS-COV-2 pandemic has significantly increased discussions about vaccination safety, efficacy and health benefits. While SARS-COV-2 vaccinations are soon to be rolled out in Australia, discussing SARS-COV-2, the immune system, hand hygiene, social distancing and general vaccination benefits is an important step to engage individuals who may be wary of the vaccine. Open communication about immunisations has always been a key component in client engagement and education. It creates a forum of open dialogue to engage clients (and the community alike) to discuss this proactive public health response, with benefits to individuals.
While client support and education were a key driver to complete this course, it will also allow me to widen my scope of practice to autonomously manage staff influenza vaccination clinics, if provided by my employer.
Thank you for the opportunity to reflect on my learning and detail the benefits this course will have for my clients, my workplace and myself.
|
|
|
ASHHNA Australasian HIV & AIDS Conference Scholarship Report
By Carol Pavitt
Clinical Nurse Consultant | South Terrace Clinic, WA
Overall I was surprisingly impressed with the conference. My first idea was that it would be days run on PowerPoint presentations that would put me to sleep within minutes. But even though there was the dreaded PowerPoints there were a lot of debates and real life feeling discussions. On the first day I got up at 0500 as it was live and being located in the west, I need my coffee!
Despite some initial technical issues, I was able to get on. I must admit for a little while I thought I was in last year’s Perth conference when we just continued on discussing Mycoplasma genitalium and its increased resistance.
The highlight of the day was hearing how services adapted throughout the challenges of 2020.
Day 2
In the morning we had presentations around how Australia might be the first country to eliminate HIV transmission. This was a carry on from last year with a new twist of what needs to be done to accomplish this goal.
Personally, I found the session on SH epidemiology, prevention and health promotion the highlight of my day. Being a virtual conference they managed to convey so much in such short to the point presentations.
The last session of the day I watched was the HIV symposium. Antivirals are in constant change and even though I do not personally work in the field I have often had shared patients and I appreciate an update on the topic.
Day 3
My highlight session of this day was ‘New approaches to STI diagnosis, prevention and control’. This was the session where I occasionally was lost in the science but still very much enjoyed hearing about it.
A close second was the diversifying genders and sexuality presentation. I was somewhat annoyed by some of the delegates as the presenters were only talking about 5 to 6 minutes and they were more or less saying get to the point in the questions. This is the exact intolerance examples they encounter daily. I guess I expected more from this group then that. But the presentations really complemented each other so well and there was a ton of overlap.
HIV ARV Guidelines session: Funny last year when they had a similar session no one did the voting. Whereas in the virtual world the participation rate increased significantly compared to the year before. So this was an example where the virtual conference was a success for this topic.
Day 4
Clinical management and therapeutics was a good session where many varied topics were overviewed from many areas of the world. I most enjoyed the improving HIV peer counselling in Papau New Guinea. I would never believe that becoming a peer counsellor would impact and improve a person’s self-esteem as much as it did for this woman.
Overall best part of the conference. Having a woman who is living with HIV describe her own journey whilst taking ARV. It is one thing to hear about a case study of a person living with HIV. My absolute highlight of the week was this woman openly talking about how her journey taking ARVs impacted her life.
|
|
|
Donna Keeley over here in the west is very valued nurse and very passionate about Sexual health. She is the only specialist Sexual Health NP that I’m aware of in the Perth metro area. She is a great lecturer and mentor with so much passion for the area. She doesn’t really get much recognition for all of her good work.
Donna lectures at Notre Dame University to the medical students, presents at Curtin University, at ASHM workshops and runs an outreach clinic successfully in one of Perth’s eastern suburbs with in a hard to reach at risk populations.
Donna came to Freo HIV & Sexual Health in 2001 after working and training as a midwife at King Edward Memorial Hospital (KEMH). Originally from Victoria she followed her Mum’s footsteps into Nursing where I believe she trained in Wangaratta. She worked at Melbourne Sexual Health Service for a few years before embarking on her midwifery studies in the West.
When she arrived to join the staff at ‘Freo’ she brought with her some fresh ideas to our very small team. The team expanded slowly over time and this rather fabulous nurse took the offered opportunity to commence her NP studies. This was in the very early days of the course in WA. She slogged through doing a unit at a time, in-between working full time, and eventually becoming a Mum.
Donna has an eye for detail and goes above and beyond for her patients. She has a soft spot it seems for the at risk youth in her outreach clinic in the very challenging area of Armadale in Perth’s Eastern suburbs toward the Perth Hills.
Fighting constantly to be recognised by the greater hospital community/allied health and the never ending need to update business plans and formularies sees her often being challenged to provide the best care she can whilst also giving a positive spin on the work of an NP.
With the constant support from Dr Lewis Marshall, Donna is often covering gaps in clinics when the medical staff are unavailable. She is passionate about teaching both Nursing and Medical students. As a long time nursing colleague of 20 years, Donna is unwavering in her support of our little team often gently pushing us to do that little bit better within the boundaries of our roles. Annually the team at STC (South Terrace Clinic) run an all nurse STI study day and Donna’s acting talents and her ability to become a character in a role play/practice consult always ensures it is entertaining and informative.
She is supported by an amazing small team in our unit and forms partnerships with other like-minded health professionals to information share. She has been part of the LASH study part one and two. Sits on an annual panel discussion supporting SIW at Notre Dame University in the hope of giving the medical students an unbiased, open minded acceptance of this profession.
I would love for her to gain some recognition from her peers and credit for her hard yards gaining her NP position and all of the hoops she had to jump through and continues to do so to continue in her area of passion.
If like Lee, you feel that someone in your team is deserving of recognition, let us know!
If you would like to shower Donna with a little more love you can do so here!
|
|
|
Book Review by Kendall Buckley
of
“Me and White Supremacy”
by Layla F. Saad
“Me and White Supremacy teaches readers to understand their white privilege and their participation in white supremacy so that they can stop (often unconsciously) inflicting damage on People of Colour and, in turn help other white people do better too.”
|
|
As health professionals especially in sexual health we know that the burden of illness disproportionately affects Indigenous Australian’s + BIPOC, which is further exacerbated and compounded when sex, sexuality, gender and ability (along with a lot else) come into play. Intersectional feminists call this intersectionality; as nurses we are taught this through the biopsychosocial model of health. I obviously am not aware of the colour of your ethnicity, gender, sexuality or ability however, I do know that the majority of nurses working in the sexual health are mostly white and mostly women.
“If feminism can understand the patriarchy, it’s important to question why so many feminists struggle to understand whiteness as a political structure in the very same way” – Reni Eddo-Lodge, Why I’m No Longer Talking to White People About Race
A lot is happening in the world at the moment, the last six weeks alone have seen the behaviours and integrity of Australian politicians called into question, women are angry, as we should be, but not one of us are surprised; #StopAsianHate has replaced #BLM as yet another mass shooting occurs killing six Asian women; Mhelody Bruno (a trans-Filipina) woman is killed by an RAAF Corporal who avoids jail time; and four Indigenous Australians died in custody in three weeks.
Drag Queen, Kween Kong aka Thomas Fonua (born in NZ and of Tongan and Samoan heritage) is called a “black pudding” in a show review of the show Smashed, the publisher called out yet refusing to apologise.
Scarlett Adams, a prominent Perth drag queen scheduled to appear on Ru Paul’s Drag Race Down Under is called out for racism and cultural appropriation – the Perth queer community (of which I am a member) at the centre of it all. With race at the forefront of my mind I re-read Me and White Supremacy and thought to share some insights with you.
Now if you have read the book, you’ll no doubt already be doing the work but if you haven’t I’d like to put this question to you - do you consider yourself an ally? I did prior to reading the book however, what stuck out for me was the following:
“allyship is a practise not an identity”
In other words, you can’t label yourself an ally you can only be identified as one, by those you seek to be an ally to, based on your actions. Now you might not consider yourself racist (spoiler alert, we all are and if that makes you mad you are displaying white fragility – read the book and you’ll understand why) but what are you doing that is actively anti-racist? What policies and practices have you implemented to protect, promote, position and centre and benefit Indigenous Australians + BIPOC? Are you actively partnering with community or are you just another white saviour swooping in to save the day and not actually listening?
As nurses whether we like it or not people look to us as role models of how to be in the world and as a result we must challenge each other to use our platforms better and challenge ourselves to be better serve our patients, our community. Staying quite on matters that we know impact people’s health and wellbeing changes nothing and to be silent is to be complicit aka ‘silence equals violence’.
This book is obviously about race, it will challenge you, you will feel uncomfortable, you will get angry, you might even be mad with me for writing this - good, reflect on that. But if you are white or white passing and only read one book this year or your life for that matter make it this one and do the work.
|
|
|
For more information concerning the prominent issue of racism within the LGBTI+ community or to stay in the loop of what is happening within the Australian queer community you can follow @abcqueer on Instagram
Please note: racism is prevelant amongst all communities. I am reporting on this topic as a queer person who as a nurse feel it is my duty to raise these issues. Sexual health has always been a safe place for LGBTI+ people, it is a place that we often dominate as a patient group and I hope to only make it a better place for all. If you have any questions, corrections or simply want to chat about the above, please don’t hesitate to contact me directly.
Kendall x
|
|
|
ASHM upcoming Training Schedule
|
|
|
Want to access all of the above and more for free?
Activate your FREE affiliate ASHM Membership valued at $235 now!
Need your access code?
|
|
South Eastern Sydney Local Health District
Nursing and Midwifery | Clinical Nurse Consultant
Applications Close: 2nd April 2021
Apply here!
|
|
|
A reminder to new and existing members that as part of your membership you have access to the ASHM online portal, where a significant number of online course are free and available to you.
Need to activate your affiliate membership?
|
|
|
Are you following us on Twitter and Facebook? Click on the links below!
|
|
Got something to share?
The ASHHNA Newsletter is distributed quarterly every year with some great content from our members across Australasia.
As we rely on our members, we really do encourage our members to reach out and submit content as much as possible so we can try bring as much wonderful information to you all so that we can share the latest developments, educational opportunities or anything related to sexual health you think our members might appreciate.
Please send any contributions to:
Kendall Buckley or Kate Fisher
Thanks,
Kendall & Kate
|
|
ASHHNA acknowledges the traditional owners of this land the Whadjuk people of the Noongar nation as the Traditional Custodians of this land that this newsletter was written. We acknowledge Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia. We recognise their continuous relationship to the land and pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging.
|
|
|
|
|
