Nurse Practitioner (NP) - what is that?

NPs are health-care professionals who treat the whole person, an approach that includes:

• Addressing needs relating to a person’s physical and mental health
• Understanding how an illness affects a person’s life and family
• Supporting ways for a person to lead a healthy life and manage chronic illness (CNA, 2019)

Where do NPs work?
NPs work in a variety of health-care settings, such as:

• Community care (community clinics, health-care centers, physicians’ offices and patients’ homes)
• Long-term care (nursing homes)
• Hospitals (outpatient clinics, emergency rooms and other patient areas)
• NP-led clinics
• Independent practice
• As well many also have research, education, and leadership roles (CNA, 2019; NPAO, 2019)

Do NPs replace other health-care professionals? 

No, NPs are in a unique position in the health care system where they can see any patient (no referral needed).  As well as team up with anyone and refer to any specialty. 

Will I still be able to see my doctor? 

Yes,  while seeing an NP, you can still see your family doctor or any other health-care provider (CNA, 2019).

What are the benefits of NPs?
NPs bring value to Canadians and their health-care system. Studies about these benefits and patients’ experiences tell us that NPs:

• Involve patients in decisions about their care
• Improve access to primary health care
• Reduce pressures on the health-care system
• Are valued and trusted by patients
• Provide high-quality management of chronic illness (e.g., diabetes, high blood pressure) (CNA, 2019)

Can an NP work on their own?  Do they need to be supervised?

Yes, NPs can work on their own.   No, NPs do not need to be supervised by a physician to practice. NPs have an autonomous scope of practice, but typically work in collaboration with physicians and other health care professionals (CNO, 2019; NPAO, 2019).  

Are NPs new to the health-care system? 

No, NPs first appeared in Canada in the 1960s. Early on, NPs provided care in rural and remote areas. By the 1970s, interest in the NP role increased and more education programs began. Today, NPs are an important part of the health-care system.   There are 25 NP-Led Clinics in Ontario caring for over 90,000 patients (CNA, 2019; NPAO, 2019).