Jan. 23, 2012

Kristen Cocchetto and Erin Barnes, RNs in the Bay Centre for Birth Control Colposcopy Clinic

When you imagine what a nurse does, do you generally picture someone running around in scrubs, installing catheters, administering medications or tracking vital signs? That’s what most people envision when they think of nursing.

But when Erin Barnes and Kristen Cocchetto went into nursing school, they both aspired to practise nursing in a community health setting, addressing the client as a whole, while focusing on health promotion and disease prevention.

Now, both registered nurses (RNs) at the Colposcopy Clinic at the Bay Centre for Birth Control, they are thrilled to work in an area that provides them with this opportunity.

Working in the Colposcopy Clinic, every day is different. Some days are spent counselling new patients before they schedule an initial appointment, to explain the procedure and help reduce any fears or anxieties. Other days are spent calling patients for followup. Every Friday morning, colposcopies are performed at the clinic. 

A colposcopy is a way of examining the cervix under magnification and is used to detect abnormalities. At the Colposcopy Clinic in the Bay Centre for Birth Control, the goal is to reduce the progression of these abnormalities in those people who are unlikely to access colposcopy without additional support.

“It is unique in that the clinic only accepts referrals for clients from vulnerable populations,” explains Cocchetto. “This includes clients who are recent immigrants/non-status, homeless/street involved, those with mental health problems, highly anxious, uninsured and LGBTQ clients.”

At this clinic, “We’re aiming to help those who are likely to fall through the cracks of the system or are not connected with the system in the first place,” explains Barnes.

Here, RNs like Cocchetto and Barnes work to reduce any barriers to access that these women may face. They know that in order to ensure that patients attend their appointments, there needs to be a feeling of trust between the patient and the RN.

This means the RNs must be there to lend an ear – to listen to patients and answer their questions. It means being present every step of the way and ensuring that patients feel comfortable and safe.

"I love that I am able to use my background in psychology and women's studies to develop strong relationships with my clients. That's one of the reasons I chose this work," says Barnes. “It’s this level of interaction and trust that keeps them coming back. They know we’re here and they’re more willing to seek the help they need because of this.”

For Cocchetto and Barnes, knowing they are making a difference is the most fulfilling part of their jobs.

“People learn how to make their lives better because of the education that they are being provided,” says Barnes. "Many women are uncomfortable talking about their bodies and these women are empowered through having proper information and support.”  

For Cocchetto, helping women take charge of their own health care is significant.

“It’s more than just providing them with the knowledge, it’s seeing them put it to use,” she says. “It’s great to see patients return for their followup appointments and recognize the importance of their own health, that’s when you know you’ve made a difference.”

Since the program’s inception in January 2009, roughly 500 patients have been seen and helped by the clinic’s RNs. In a unique clinic where the nurse plays a central role, RNs like Cocchetto and Barnes are able to work alongside their patients and provide more women with accessible, culturally sensitive and supportive care.

For more information on the Colposcopy Clinic at the Bay Centre for Birth Control click here.