The 4th Australian Nurse Practitioner conference was hosted in Melbourne's Telstra Dome from the 26-28 October 2008. This conference marks an historic moment for our organisation as on Day 1 we were known as ANPA and on Day 2 we became ACNP! Our national executive changed and Helen Gosby was welcomed as the first president of the newly formed Australian College of Nurse Practitioners.

Toronto Canada September 17-20

Approximately 650 delegates from 31 countries travelled to the Westin Harbour Castle in Toronto, Canada late in September 2008 for the 5th International Council of Nurses International Nurse Practitioner/Advanced Practice Nursing Network (INP/APNN) Conference.

Author Fran Lee - Nurse Practitioner: Urology
Fremantle Hospital

The role of the Nurse Practitioner (NP) in Urology is fairly new. At present there are only four in Australasia. Each Urology NP develops their practice to suit the needs of the unit in which they work. It is a great learning opportunity and incredibly rewarding but it does take time to become one of the team. NPs are not doctors but nurses with expanded practice. The Consultants that I work with are very supportive but there have been some instances, which have made me very aware of the responsibility of my role.

The Hon. Nicola Roxon MP Minister for Health and Ageing
"Nurse Practitioners - their role in a modern health system"
Melbourne - 28 October 2008

Thank you for inviting me here for this important conference to address the future role of nurse practitioners in Australia. After a very slow start, nurse practitioners are becoming an established part of the nursing workforce in most parts of Australia. However, significant challenges still exist for this small group - that is steadily growing in size.