The RSA Award

Recent history of the RSA Award

We would like to introduce you to our last few winners and acknowledge their dedication and commitment to our cause. Congratulations to all.

Bettina Douglas, RSA Award Winner 2011

Evidence of High Standards of Practice

Bettina is currently employed as a Nurse Practitioner at the Princess Alexandra Hospital, Bettina was one of the first renal NPs endorsed and employed in Queensland (QLD). She has been at the forefront of NP development within the state, having been an active organizer of the Renal NP group in QLD who meet regularly to share information, skills and knowledge.

Bettina has a position as a senior lecturer at the Queensland University for Nursing.  She is also involved in research studies such as the Landmark study and Nurse Practitioner research.
Bettina is heavily involved with Kidney Health Australia and has assisted with the development of position statements, research projects, guidelines and educational presentations. 

Bettina has acted as a mentor for Nurse Practitioner candidates and also assisted other nurses with further research. She has co written a chapter titled Chronic Kidney Disease in the book Chronic illness & Disability: Principles for nursing practice.

Bettina has presented at conferences such as the Diabetes Educators conference and Practice Nurse conference.

Evidence of Outstanding and Continued Commitment to the RSA

Bettina has been a RSA member since 1984, at a QLD level Bettina has always been an active participant in branch events and at branch meetings.  She held the QLD treasurers position for a 5 year period from 2005-2010, during this time Bettina assisted in taking the branch forward with fundraising and the establishment of sponsorship guidelines for obtaining trade partnership support.  This was also a changing period for Branch Treasurers with the introduction of MYOB, During her tenure she was consistent in ensuring all branch accounting was submitted to the federal treasurer on time, and received many commendations for this at federal board meetings. Bettina also organized several educational days which were of an extremely high standard. 

Bettina was involved in the original development of the RSA Competency standards and has lobbied more recently to have these reviewed and updated. 

She has also written numerous articles for the RSAJ since its creation - the most recent one being the consensus statement.

Bettina's most significant contributions to the RSA include:

RSA Committee Representation
Queensland Branch Treasurer 2007 -– 2010
NSW Branch Secretary 1992

Attendance at conferences
2010 RSA Cairns (two papers presented)
2008 RSA Sydney (one paper presented)
2005 RSA Hobart (one poster presented)
1997 RSA Hobart (one paper presented – won Best Abstract Award)
1988 RSA Sydney (one paper presented)
1984 DSA Sydney

Attendance at Workshops / Seminars
2010 RSA Queensland (convenor)
2009 RSA Queensland (Brisbane & Hervey Bay)
1992 RSA NSW (co-convenor)

RSA Journal or Communiqué Publication
Rossi, M., Young, V, Martin, J. Douglas, B. & Campbell, K. (2011) Nutrition during a natural disaster for people with end stage kidney disease. Renal Soc Aust J, 7; 2:  69 - 71.

Bonner, A. & Douglas, B. (2011) Clinical Education for Nephrology Nurse Practitioner Candidates in Australia: A Consensus Statement. Renal Soc Aust J, 7; 1: 13-23.

Douglas, B. (2009) Historical reflections: Continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis in the 1980's. Renal Soc Aust J 5 (2) 80 – 81.

Douglas, B., Brown,L., Harvey, M., Stone, C., Mills, K., Coleman, S., Blong, A. & Washington, W. (2009). Profile of the Nephrology Nurse Practitioners in Queensland. Communiqué  May 2009.

Douglas, B. (2007) Conference report: American Nephrology Nurses' Association (ANNA) Fall Meeting, Boston, MA 22 – 24 September, 2006. Communiqué August 2007.

Douglas B. & Moynahan L. (2003) Holiday Dialysis in Queensland, Communiqué VI, 3, 5.

Douglas B. (2003) Acute Renal Failure in Practice (Book Review), Communiqué VI, 2, 11.

Cocksedge B, Hunt D, Westerholm W, Heathcote K & Pollock C. (1993) Peritoneal Catheter Exit Site Care for the Maintenance CAPD Patient: Report of a Randomised Prospective Study. Renal Educator 13 (1), 4-6.

Cocksedge B. (1992). Report of the Health Industry Summit. Renal Educator 12 (3).

NB the 1993 paper is referenced in the Joanna Briggs review of PD Exit site care.

Debbie Gregory, RSA Award Winner 2010

Debbie started her renal career way back in 1988 when she completed the Renal course and was working at the Austin Hospital as an ANUM on the Renal Ward. She has dedicated most of her nursing life working in all areas of renal replacement including transplantation, HD and PD in both clinical and managerial roles. She has held positions on many state and national committees including the CARI Guidelines working party, Kidney Health Australia, Dialysis Nephrology & Transplantation Subcommittee, Senior Nurse Advisory Committee (St Vincent’s Heath) and the Victorian Maintenance Dialysis Advisory Committee with the Department of Human Services.

After time on the renal ward at the Austin, Debbie worked as the Transplant Coordinator for cadaveric organs and tissues for transplantation – a state wide service.

Debbie then moved to Haemodialysis units, both in-centre and satellite centres in the private and public sectors. She was manager of a large private dialysis unit prior to moving back into the public domain in 2003 when she managed the St George’s Dialysis Unit in Kew, Victoria. It was in 2004 when Debbie became the Dialysis Manager at St. Vincent’s hospital that I came to know her. I know that I haven’t given previous roles any justice, but she definitely came to us with enthusiasm. She gave the unit life and began to focus on the staff to raise the standard of renal nursing and increase their skills. Soon enough, staff were completing their renal certificates, were becoming RSA members and even presenting at conferences.

Debbie was always willing to share her knowledge and her drive encouraged the staff around to her improve patient care within the unit. Debbie strived to improve communication and care standards beyond our in-centre unit by providing a vital link with our metropolitan and rural satellites. She instigated annual/biannual trips to all centres providing tremendous support to the NUMs and clinical staff of these units, disseminating information and streamlining policies and procedures.

Debbie was very passionate about providing education to nurses about kidney disease and was instrumental in establishing Kidney Care study days for general nurses and an advanced day for Clinical Nurse Specialists in nephrology around Victoria. Despite her multiple managerial roles, Debbie has always remained extremely patient-focussed and dedicated to improving clinical care and maintaining strong nurse-patient relationships. To further this cause she has moved back to the Austin Hospital to take on the role of the Cadaveric Kidney Transplant Coordinator, and return to the clinical care that she loves.

Debbie is one of the original members of the RSA. Undeniably, Debbie’s dedication and commitment to the RSA goes beyond the call. She has been a regular attendee at Victorian Branch meetings, Victorian branch president and was later nominated for Federal Chair in 2004 and kept this position for five years. During her time as Federal Chair she has increased the professionalism and size of the Society through establishing numerous guidelines, membership grants and awards, her fantastic relationship with trade partners and assisting on a board level to establish the RSA Journal.

Debbie has assisted in streamlining the membership renewal process and stimulated membership growth through appointing new roles to the board such as the Membership Officer and Journal Editor. Debbie has also been an instrumental organiser of all Victorian Branch RSA Conferences namely the 2002, 2006 and the current 2010 ones. Debbie has been a regular attendee and submitter of poster and oral presentations at many conferences and educational events for the wider nephrology community.

To extend her RSA commitment, Debbie was an RSA representative on the DNT committee and has recently been the Federal RSA representative for RSA branch conference organising committees to ensure the RSA message is transparent and consistent at the National Conference level. Debbie has also had an immense involvement in Kidney Health Australia as the RSA Representative and is a member of the Victorian Consumer Committee and an educator for KCAT. Debbie’s managerial skills have extended to her ongoing involvement in the Maintenance Dialysis Advisory Committee (MDAC) through the Department of Human Services, Victoria which guides dialysis services in Victoria.

Karin Norman, RSA Award Winner 2009
Karin Norman has made a longstanding contribution to the New Zealand renal community for over 23 years. During this time she has made a significant impact on renal services within, initially the Whangarei Renal Service, and more latterly the Waikato Renal Service. Karin has worked in paediatric renal, in-centre haemodialysis, home training haemodialysis and is currently practicing as a clinical nurse educator for the Regional Dialysis Service based at Waikato Hospital. This service covers a large area in New Zealand and Karin is responsible for facilitating both theory and clinical education for staff.

Karin has dedicated her life to renal nursing and is involved across all spectrums of renal care within New Zealand. Karin is the 'wikepaedia' of renal in the Waikato service. She has a large knowledge base and is called upon from all areas for her expert opinion.

She is very involved in many aspects of renal both nationally and internationally. This includes being the New Zealand Branch President for the Renal Society of Australasia, for two terms, which involves being part of the Federal Board of Directors. Karin is the inaugural chairperson of the New Zealand RSA Nursing Advisory Group from 2007; is currently a nurse representative on the New Zealand National Renal Advisory Board. From 2002 to 2007 was on the NZ Board of Nephrology Practice and during some of this time was the deputy chair. She has been an NZNO delegate since 1996. From 2005 to 2007 Karin was on the PHARMAC Dialysis Fluids subcommittee.

Karin has always been very active in further educating herself and is now doing her final paper in completing her Master of Nursing and is looking towards using this to further develop her role in renal nursing.

Karin regularly attends and presents at both national and international dialysis conferences. Karin's long service and outstanding contribution to renal nursing makes her an ideal candidate for recognition by the Renal Society of Australasia.

Karin has been a member of the RSA since 1995. She was the New Zealand Branch President from 2000-2003 and then was re-elected in 2005 and still continues in this role.

Karin was on the New Zealand conference organising committee in 1996 and 2002. She was the convener for both of these conferences.

Karin was the convenor of the 2009 RSA conference which was held at Rotorua.

Karin promotes the RSA in all of her dealings with members of the renal community. She ensures that the branch is consulted whenever ideas or opinions are sought on renal matters. Karin's vast experience helps RSA office bearers and members to work through any number of issues, queries and problems associated with running a conference. She is a resource to other units who have taken on the role of executive of the New Zealand branch. She has a long list of contacts and is a good resource for topics, themes, speakers etc.

In 2007, the New Zealand branch of the RSA formed the Nursing Advisory Group to try and consolidate renal nursing practice, education and standards throughout New Zealand. Karin was instrumental in forming this group and was elected their inaugural chairperson.

Kirsten Passaris (2008) and Paul Bennett (2007)

Adrian Buttimore (2006)

Kirsten Passaris (neé Dermody) (RSA Award Winner 2008)
Clinical Nurse Consultant
Flinders Medical Centre, SA

In Kirsten's current role as Clinical Nurse Consultant of Flinders Medical Centre Renal Unit she has progressed the care of patients not just in the renal unit but in the overall medical centre. Her work in changing and improving CVC practice has been recognised both locally and internationally. Other work related to encouraging exercise and promoting and supporting the role of the enrolled nurse in dialysis has been significant. In addition she has been a driving force behind the very successful South Australian Senior Nephrology Nurses Forum.

Kirsten's research into workforce stress in the dialysis environment, both in-centre and satellite, was recently recognised with a publication in 2008 in the Journal of Renal Care.

In summary, Kirsten Passaris is the exact example of what is great about being a professional in the renal care area. Her patients love her, her colleagues love and respect her and she epitomizes a hardworking tireless campaigner for high quality standards of practice in renal nursing practice.
Kirsten Passaris has made an outstanding and continued contribution to the RSA over the past 10 years. This is in the form of RSA State Office bearer, RSA National Conference Organiser, State and Local Presenter, Presentation Award Winner, DNT Representative and RSA State President.

Kirsten has become a highly skilled presenter at RSA National, State and Local Conferences and meetings. She is always enthusiastic and motivating in her presentations. She has also presented at hospitals and universities and promotes the RSA at these presentations. Kirsten's presentation standard was acknowledged by receiving the “Best Abstract” award at the 2006 RSA Conference. In addition, Kirsten is always willing to provide local and state based RSA presentations which she performs frequently.

Kirsten has been the SA/NT President from 2006. During her presidency there has been an unprecedented attendance at RSA Education Sessions. She has presented at the past three RSA Conferences, and was the promoter, organiser and speaker at the first Northern Territory RSA Workshops (2008) recently held in both Darwin and Alice Springs.


Paul Bennett (RSA Award Winner 2007)
Senior Lecturer
Editor Renal Society of Australasia Journal
School of Nursing and Midwifery Flinders University, SA

Paul's role in developing the RSA Journal has contributed to the dissemination of peer-reviewed information. The increased sharing and access to this information increases the ability of Australian nephrology clinicians to provide high standard, evidence based health care. He devotes a great amount of his own time into providing the Australasian renal community with a high quality journal.

Over the past 15 years Paul has established a leading research profile in the area of Nephrology Nursing. This research profile that has developed internationally and in Australia and has been demonstrated through 4 peer-reviewed publications (2 international) in the past year, Journal Review Panel Memberships, Renal Research Coordinator and numerous conference proceedings presentations (12 in the past 5 years). Research studies that he has driven include: Self Management for Chronic Illness; Haemodialysis Nutritional Assessment Tool; Examination of the effects of an adapted exercise program on the functional abilities of dialysis patients; A Primary Health Care approach to Exercise and Dialysis; Registered Nurses Decision Making In Central Venous Dialysis Catheter Care; Ultrasound Assessment of Vascular Accesses; Dedicated Education Units in Dialysis; Empowerment of people living with ESRD; Buttonhole Cannulation Techniques and Nocturnal Dialysis. An example of the contribution his research has made is the use of the nutritional screening tool research with participation from 13 dialysis units across Australia. Following this the nutritional tool is now being used in Australia and Internationally (UK, Germany, Japan), and has been translated into six languages.

In recognition of Paul's research he was awarded the Research Nurse of the Year at the 2006 South Australian Premier's Awards.
Paul developed and has continued in the role of Renal Research Coordinator for the Renal Society of Australasia (SA Branch) over the past 5 years. He has driven, developed and coordinated many local presentations and workshops. As an outcome of this role South Australia has continued to have strong representation at Renal Society of Australasia (RSA) National Conferences with the SA and NT Branch leading the presentations per head of population of any state at RSA National Conferences.

Paul's development of the RSA Journal has made a significant contribution to the Renal Society of Australasia both nationally and internationally. Although he has had the support of the Renal Society of Australasia at a local and national level he has undertaken or coordinated the vast amount of work that is required to provide a high quality journal. The work has included coordinating industry support, RSA member support, funding mechanisms, coordinating manuscript review, editorial commitments, developing and maintaining publication collaborations, assembling and coordinating the RSAJ Editorial Board, developing Terms of Reference and Job Descriptions, Coordinating CINAHL Indexing, Developing the Web pages and links, generating and encouraging author manuscript contributions.


Adrian Buttimore (RSA Award Winner 2006)
Manager, Dialysis Services, Canterbury District Health Board, NZ

Adrian Buttimore has made a long standing contribution to the renal community for over 25 years and has made a significant impact on renal services. He started as a dialysis technician and has now been the manager of dialysis services at Christchurch Hospital for a number of years. The unit he runs is at the forefront of Home Haemodialysis in Australasia and has a reputation for getting patients of all abilities, ages and backgrounds to successfully dialyse at home.

Adrian is a strong advocate for dialysis technicians and has steered the founding of the NZ Board of Nephrology (formerly Dialysis) Practice. This board is the organization that has been instrumental in ensuring that dialysis technicians are recognized and included under revamped health care workers legislation introduced into NZ in 2003. Adrian is the driving force behind the development of standards of practice, career path development and certification for dialysis technicians in NZ.

Adrian investigated the most appropriate certification process for dialysis professionals and has worked to bring that process to NZ. Now dialysis technicians, HD nurses and PD nurses can all sit a certification exam that is not only recognized in NZ but overseas as well. Adrian continues to be the international advisor to the US board responsible for the certification process and examinations.

Adrian is well respected by all members of the renal community in NZ and overseas. He attends and presents at conferences at home and internationally on a regular basis. He is a member of the National Renal Advisory Board and Chairperson of the NZ Board of Nephrology Practice, he has also sat on government advisory/consultative committees related to renal care.

Adrian was a founding member of the Renal Society NZ Branch back in the days when it was the Dialysis Society. He has supported, promoted and recruited for the society tirelessly since its inception. He encourages all renal staff to join the society and support its goals for all renal health professionals.

Adrian promotes the RSA in all his dealings with members of the renal community. He ensures that the branch is consulted whenever ideas or opinions are sought on renal matters. He encourages branch members to take on committee positions when available and reports back to all branch conferences on all matters related to renal healthcare in NZ and when appropriate from around the world.

Adrian's continued support and active involvement ensures the ongoing success of the NZ Branch of the Renal Society of Australasia and all its activities.