Sue Morey - Respiratory Medicine NP

Sue Morey - Respiratory Medicine NP

Sue Morey – Respiratory Medicine NP

Sue Morey is a Respiratory Medicine Nurse Practitioner, who oversees 190 adult patients with varying severity degrees of Cystic Fibrosis. Sue’s scope of practice includes managing peripheral issues, lung transplantation referral and transfer arrangements. Practicing with an open-door policy, Sue hopes to provide patients with access for early intervention.

Awarded by the Freeman of the City of Nedlands in 2016 for “Outstanding Contribution to the City of Nedlands’ Community”, Sue has contributed to Clinical Trials by identifying suitable patients who meet the criteria, as well as establishing a telehealth clinic and local contacts to measure lung function and assess patients in rural and remote areas.

Please share your nursing journey with us.

I graduated with a Hospital-based Nursing Diploma and further continued my study by undertaking a Bachelor of Health Science in Nursing course. Fast forward, I practiced as a Charge Nurse for many years, until the role of Clinical Nurse Specialist was introduced to me and I took on the role.

Afterwards, I became a Clinical Nurse Consultant and decided to pursue further study to attain a post-graduate degree in Clinical Specialisation Nurse Practitioner. I am now a Respiratory Medicine Nurse Practitioner.

As a Nurse Practitioner in Respiratory Medicine, I have had the opportunity to develop a collaborative relationship with patient support groups in clinical and research areas. Throughout my career, I had the opportunity to take on the President role at the Cystic Fibrosis Association of WA and the Institute of Respiratory Medicine. Currently, I am involved in the Westcare Industries as a Chairman, and a Councillor at the Australian Council on Smoking and Health, which advocates for a smoke free society.

Tell us about your current role.

Currently, I have a cohort of 190 adult patients with Cystic Fibrosis, with varying degrees of severity. They are complex with multisystem disease. These patients mainly die because of respiratory failure, and the life expectancy is still only in the 40-age group.

Most of them don’t have a GP, so I manage the peripheral issues, and I am able to access any of the other specialty needs when needed. As lung transplantation has become a viable option for some, I am now in a position to advise and make plans to assess, and then make referrals to the transplant team. The timing and window of opportunity varies with individuals; however, I visit and provide information to the patients in the hope of arranging a smooth transition and transfer.

Over the many years of my time in caring for patients with a respiratory illness, I have been on the edge of many new developments, non-invasive ventilation, early intervention in the CF cohort, home IV antibiotic therapy, and many others.

Why did you choose Respiratory Medicine as your scope of practice?

I gravitated towards Respiratory Medicine as a specialty, mostly because of the physicians who were involved in the care of the patients. The doctors were caring and inclusive, so I had the opportunity to be innovative. I was provided with a supportive team, which led me to a rewarding career path.

What are you hoping to achieve in your current role as a NP?

I want to continue providing a patient-friendly service. I have an open-door policy whereby patients can have timely access for early intervention and may short circuit a hospital admission.

Furthermore, I hope to mentor and encourage a successor, so that the momentum can be sustainable.

What advice do you have for anyone wanting to become a NP?

I would encourage aspiring NPs to choose a specialty, become an expert and develop credibility.

 

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