There are currently 16 Queensland Health-funded sexual health clinics within the State. Aspects of sexual health nursing are also included in other speciality areas such as rural and remote nursing, women's health and reproductive health, although to a lesser degree.

What does a sexual health nurse do?
The general practice of a sexual health nurse includes using clinical skills that involve complex history taking and the physical examination and assessment of patients. They also conduct screening and diagnostic testing (including pap smears) and interpretation of pathology results. The management of infections (initiation of drug therapy if endorsed by employer and the Queensland Nursing Council) and hepatitis vaccination programs, contraceptive management and counselling (sexuality in relationships, infections, contraception and men/women's health issues) also form part of a sexual health nurse's regular activities. They also conduct contact tracing and coordinate drug trials. The role also includes the management of education and health promotion programs and activities for health professionals and the community

How do I become a sexual health nurse?
Entry into this speciality is varied and somewhat contingent on the role and the employing service's requirements. In some remote areas, there are Indigenous health workers and registered nurses providing some of these roles, while in public sexual health clinics most registered nurses are employed with relevant postgraduate experience or training in sexual health. For more information on postgraduate course availability in this area, click here to go to the further education section.

What career opportunities exist for a sexual health nurse?
A career in sexual health enables the transfer of skills to reproductive health nursing and women's health. You can also work in areas of management and health promotion.

Where can I get more information on becoming a sexual health nurse?
For information about sexual health nursing in Queensland please contact the State Nurse Educator (Sexual Health Services) on 07 3837 5759 or 0416 292 460 or visit www.health.qld.gov.au/sexhealth. For information on sexual health nursing in all other states please contact the Australian Sexual Health Nursing Association (ASHNA) on 02 9382 7740 or by visiting www.ashna.org.au.