Trade Publication Article

Toward a national framework for implementation of the nurse practitioner role in primary health care

Rothwell, Sue

2003

Overview

The Nurse Practitioner Planning Network (NPPN) is group representing professional associations, nursing regulatory bodies and organizations, provincial and territorial governments, and nurse educators. Organizations supporting the development of this project include the Canadian Nurses Association, the Canadian Association of University Schools of Nursing, the Aboriginal Nurses Association of Canada, the Nurse Practitioner Association of Ontario, and the provinces/territories of Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Ontario, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Alberta, British Columbia, the Yukon, the Northwest Territories and Nunavut; support from Quebec and PEI is also expected. Whue there is a large body of evidence that demonstrates that nurse practitioners can provide high-quality, cost-effective primary health care and play a critical role in primary health care renewal, the implementation of the nurse practitioner role in Canada has been sporadic and inconsistent. The Canadian public has limited understanding of the role of nurse practitioners and the scope of the health services they provide. Physicians, pharmacists, and other providers have different expectations and understandings of the scope of practice and competencies of their nurse practitioner colleagues. The five provinces that have passed legislation and have certification in place are not consistent regarding scope of practice, licensure or continuing competence requirements for nurse practitioners.

• Publisher: Aboriginal Nurses Association of Canada