Australian sexual health nurses: variations in practice.
OBJECTIVE
The study aimed to describe the scope of practice of Australian Sexual Health Nurses in order to inform development of nationally consistent role functions.


METHODS
Descriptive cross sectional survey of 201 sexual health nurses utilising an anonymous self-administered questionnaire with reply paid envelope which was sent to members of the Australian Sexual Health Nurses Association along with a letter which encouraged them to ask non member sexual health nurses to also complete a questionnaire.


RESULTS
Despite the fact that most Australian Sexual Health Nurses are employed in sexual health centres and family planning clinics, this study showed the scope of their practice to be extremely varied both in and between states/territories.


CONCLUSIONS
The scope of practice of Australian sexual health nurses is varied. While questions remain as to the reasons for difference, the authors argue that the specialty needs to work toward a national model for basic sexual health nursing care. It is recommended that this model be based on knowledge of and rationales for variations in practice.
Knight
Vickie M
VM
Sydney Sexual Health Centre, Sydney Hospital.
Corkill
Nikki
N
Pittam
Debbie
D
Dillon
Annette
A
Marks
Caron
C
D000328:Adult; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D001315:Australia; D002983:Clinical Competence; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005193:Family Planning Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006801:Humans; D007588:Job Satisfaction; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009720:Nurse Clinicians / Q000193:education / Q000458:organization & administration* / Q000523:psychology*; D024802:Nurse's Role; D015403:Nursing Evaluation Research; D012725:Sexual Behavior; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires