Meet Michelle and Joan:

Michelle has worked as an Emergency Advanced Nurse Practitioner for the past 16yrs and is currently based in ED Tullamore. She has 26yrs experience in ED settings, in orthopaedic/trauma settings, spinal injuries unit, burns unit and plastics. As well as working in Irish hospitals she has worked internationally in London, Auckland & Toronto. Her early interest in orthopaedics and post graduate studies at The Royal National Orthopaedic Unit in the UK have been invaluable in her current role. Michelle is also lead ANP with the Emergency Medicine Programme and chair of the national ED ANP forum. 

Joan Dembo is a registered Advanced Nurse Practitioner (RANP) in the Emergency Department (ED) assessing and treating both adults and children with injuries and minor illnesses. She has worked in the emergency directorate both in England and Ireland for 27 years as staff nurse and clinical nurse manager2. During this time, she completed a post graduate course in emergency nursing and a BNS in nursing studies. In 2007, she began her career in advanced practice and undertook a Masters in Health Sciences, Advanced Practice at NUI, Galway.  Joan became the first RANP in MRH, Portlaoise in 2015. In addition to the clinical component, her role also incorporates the provision of leadership and education to staff in the ED. She is a member of the Midlands ED ANP group and the IAANMP. 

Both Joan and Michelle are registered nurse prescribers and a prescribers of ionising radiation (x-ray). They work as autonomous practitioners who provides a full episode of care for patients which includes carrying out interventions, prescribing medications and discharging.  Their role in ED not only reduces waiting times but also improves the overall outcomes and healthcare experience for patients attending with injuries or minor illnesses. Both ANPs works in collaboration with the ED team to deliver a high standard of quality care.

To listen to Joan and Michelle’s webinar titled “Alternative Routes for Enhancing Patient Access in the Emergency Room” please  follow the link below :