What is a Nurse Practitioner?
A Nurse Practitioner is qualified to assess, diagnose, treat, prescribe and also refer patients to specialists.
Jessica O’Shannassy – Endorsed Nurse Practitioner and Credentialled Diabetes Educator
Jess began her nursing career in 2006 at the Royal Children’s hospital where she developed her passion for Type 1 Diabetes. Since then she has completed her postgraduate in Paediatric Nursing, Diabetes Education and finally her Masters in Nurse Practitioner. Jess has been working in Private practice since 2016 and has developed a skill set in all aspects of diabetes care including medication initiation and management, pathology testing/interpretation and treatment plans.
Her patient cohort ranges from T1DM, T2DM, gestational diabetes, diabetes technology, and all other forms of diabetes. Jess is passionate in regards to helping those with diabetes achieve their goals and continue to live life as normally as possible. She is a certified insulin pump and continuous glucose monitor trainer in a number of devices thus being able to assist you in achieving self-management of your diabetes. Outside of work Jess enjoys spending her time with her husband and three young children working on their small farm just outside of Geelong.
Jess is a valued member of our team and consults on Wednesdays.
Bellinda Ryan – Endorsed Nurse Practitioner and Credentialled Diabetes Educator
Bellinda is an experienced Registered Nurse and Credentialled Diabetes Educator who completed her Graduate Certificate in Diabetes Education at Deakin University in 2008. She has been part of the Geelong Endocrinology & Diabetes team since 2015 and has now completed her Master of Nursing (Nurse Practitioner) at the University of Melbourne, becoming a qualified Nurse Practitioner.
Alongside her role at Geelong Endocrinology & Diabetes, Bellinda brings extensive experience in General Practice, supporting individuals to effectively manage diabetes and reduce the risk of complications. She is a certified trainer in insulin pump therapy, including Ypsomed, Omnipod, Medtronic, and Tandem t:slim, as well as continuous glucose monitoring systems such as Libre, Guardian, and Dexcom.
Bellinda is passionate about empowering people to live well with diabetes. She takes a person-centred approach, focusing on education, support, and practical strategies tailored to help each individual achieve their health goals.
Bellinda is a valued member of our team and consults on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
OUR FEES
Below is our Fee Structure for appointments with our Nurse Practitioner. A Nurse Practitioner is a clinician that can order pathology, make medication changes and issue scripts for their patients.
These fees attract a Medicare rebate. Our Diabetes Nurse Practitioner will review you at your appointment and give instruction and advice on your diabetes management.
- Appointments are available with Jess on Wednesdays
- Appointments are available with Bellinda on Tuesdays and Thursdays
- PLEASE NOTE: You must be an existing patient of Geelong Endocrinology & Diabetes to book an appointment with our Nurse Practitioner
| Type of Appointments | Total payable on the day | Medicare Rebate |
| Routine appointment – in person or video telehealth | $150 | $75.60 |
| Routine appointment – via PHONE | $150 | $75.60 |
| Long appointment includes: • Own sensor start (NDSS funded or private) eg. AMSL, Medtronic, Abbott • Consult explaining pump technology • Technology education appointment: Automode start and Control IQ start |
$200 | $114.20 |
- Fees apply for all Pump starts and upgrade appointments. Please contact our clinic for these fees.