#WeAreNorthern

Meet Vanessa Leonard-Roberts, Emergency Nurse Practitioner.

Q: What is your coffee order?

A: Skinny latte, but actually I prefer rooibos tea. It’s an African tea, full of antioxidants and caffeine free.

Q: What does a day at work look like for yourself as an Emergency Department Nurse Practitioner?

A: The ED is a fast-paced, challenging environment. This is no different for the ED Nurse Practitioner (ED NP). Typically, ED NPs work in the Fast Track space attending to minor/moderate illness and injuries. At Northern Health, however, the ED NPs also work to an expanded scope of practice allowing for work in various other areas of the ED. This is very exciting and provides great learning opportunities. I am also fortunate to be working with an incredible team of advanced physiotherapists, medical and nursing staff and experienced NPs that support me in my working day.

Q: What advice do you have for other nurses considering your specialty?

A: There has never been a better time to be a Nurse Practitioner! There is more funding and support than ever before and there is so much opportunity out there. Take the challenge!

Q: How do you like to relax after a long shift?

A: I live on a small cattle farm, and I have a herb cottage where I make my own preserves/ointments/ dried herbs. I will usually potter about in there or in the vegie garden after a long shift. I am also an avid reader. Nothing like a good book and a cup of tea to clear the mind.

Q: Where is a favourite place you’ve travelled and why?

A: I was born in Africa and recently went back to visit family. It was a wonderful trip, but they have since moved to London, so I expect that will be my next favourite place. Other than Scotland of course, I am a bit of an Outlander fan.