Questions about Nurse Practitioners
In Newfoundland & Labrador and across Canada, interest is growing in developing a team approach to health care. Important members of the health care team are Nurse Practitioners.
What is a Nurse Practitioner (NP)?
Nurse Practitioners (NPs) are registered nurses with advanced educational preparation and experience who possess and demonstrate the competencies to independently diagnose, order and interpret diagnostic tests, prescribe pharmaceuticals and perform specific procedures within their legislated scope of practice (Canadian Nurses Association, CNPI, 2006). NPs provide health care services to individuals of all ages, families and communities, emphasizing health promotion and disease prevention. NPs work in the context of a variety settings including community clinics, emergency departments, specialty acute care settings and long-term care. NPs work independently and in collaboration with a variety of health care professionals to manage client’s health care.
Who can call themselves a NP?
The title NP is a protected title. Only a RN who has met the ARNNL requirements for NP licensure can call themselves a NP.
How Can a Nurse Practitioner Help You?
The NP is part of your health care team. Depending on what your health care needs are, your care may include a variety of health care providers. Your team may consist of a nurse practitioner, a physician, a registered nurse, a nutritionist/dietician, and a physiotherapist - but most importantly, it includes you. NPs work in both community settings and in hospitals and emergency rooms. They are educated and experienced in health assessment, diagnostics, treatment and preventative care and can meet most of your health care needs.
Why Choose a Nurse Practitioner?
The NP provides you, the client, with a choice in accessing a health care provider. NPs work in collaboration with physicians to keep you, your family, and the community you live in healthy. As an expert in health care, the NP offers a holistic approach by addressing much more than your immediate concerns. She/he also provides preventative health education and planning that allows you to stay as healthy and active as possible and encourages you to be an active partner in health care decisions.
Looking for a Nurse Practitioner?
There are over 100 nurse practitioners (NPs) in Newfoundland and Labrador working in most areas of the province. The majority of NPs can be accessed through your Regional Health Authority. If you are interested in having a nurse practitioner as your primary care provider, contact your Regional Health Authority to find a Nurse practitioner in your area.
What else do NP's do?
NPs Continue to advocate for NP role by:
- Participating in policy development workshops
- Participating in NP exam development opportunities
- Acting as Mentors/Preceptors for NPs and NP students
To find a list of all ARNNL members who hold a Nurse Practitioner license in Newfoundland & Labrador click here