Introducing new EAUN Chair: Dr. Corinne Tillier
First and foremost, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to all the former chairs who have contributed to making the EAUN the prominent association it is today for urology nurses. Serving as chair is not just an honour but also a significant responsibility.
Ms. Paula Allchorne (GB) has been instrumental in providing a solid structure to the EAUN board. This structure is crucial as it clearly defines the roles and responsibilities of board members, enabling us to function effectively and achieve our goals. It forms the operational framework that ensures the EAUN runs smoothly and continues to grow.
Under Paula’s leadership, the EAUN has developed a long-term strategy, which is vital for maintaining the association’s relevance, effectiveness, and sustainability over time. This strategy serves as a roadmap for the EAUN’s future development and success.
The foundations that have been established will be preserved and regularly reviewed, as we must always strive for innovation, reflect on our progress, and seek continuous improvement.
The EAUN represents nurses from across Europe and beyond. However, we face the challenge of engaging urology nurses for whom English may be a barrier. Our solution lies in fostering stronger connections with national societies, which can facilitate better communication and engagement across linguistic boundaries. Increased interaction with these societies will be a key objective moving forward.
Another important goal is the development of a comprehensive curriculum for urology nurses, known as EFUN. We aim to reach a final agreement on this initiative very soon. We are also aware of the financial difficulties many nurses face in attending international congresses and courses. My hope is that the EAUN can make knowledge more accessible by organising affordable courses for nurses. However, the EAU cannot achieve this alone and will require financial support. Securing partnerships to help nurses access essential knowledge and training will be a priority during my tenure.
Nursing professional development is an ongoing process that is essential for the growth and advancement of nurses. This development enables nurses to become experts in their field, grow in leadership roles, and perform specialised medical tasks such as prostate biopsies or cystoscopies. In my view, knowledge is the cornerstone of professional satisfaction.
Nursing education is a lifelong journey. Nurses acquire knowledge and skills throughout their careers through formal education, hands-on experience, and other formal and informal avenues.
Continuing nursing education (CNE) and professional development (CPD), is crucial for keeping nurses’ knowledge and skills current. It can encompass formal courses, workshops, certifications, and on-the-job learning opportunities.
Specialised certifications in urology, for example, can help nurses develop expertise in specific areas of practice.
Attending professional webinars, seminars and conferences is +another valuable way for nurses to stay informed about the latest advancements in their field.
The EAUN, along with its Special Interest Groups (SIGs), is committed to facilitating nurses’ access to knowledge. During my tenure as EAUN Chair, this will be a top priority. We will offer ESUN Courses, webinars, podcasts, and the Scientific Congress Office (SCO) will continue to provide a diverse programme for the annual EAUN meeting. The scientific programme will be designed to meet the needs of all nurses, from those working on the wards to clinical nurse specialists and nurse practitioners, enabling them to acquire new knowledge and skills.
Updating the EAUN Guidelines is also a key priority. We will review the existing guidelines, starting with the Intravesical Instillation Guideline, with the support of the EAU Guidelines Office. Additionally, we will encourage and facilitate the translation of our guidelines into other languages, ensuring that nurses can access evidence-based practices without language barriers.
As EAUN Chair, I am committed to continuing our collaboration with ANZUNS and BAUN on EFUN, ESNO and of course with the national societies from all European countries. We share a common goal of advancing nursing development, and by working together, we can elevate the nursing profession and ensure it receives the recognition it deserves.
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Dr. Corinne Tillier, EAUN Chair, Netherlands Cancer Institute (NKI), Amsterdam (NL)