7,400 nurse practitioners (NPs) — a growth of 10.7% from 2020, the largest increase of all the nursing designations. In fact, NPs became one of the fastest-growing professions in health care.
NURSE PRACTITIONERS
Nurse practitioners are ideally suited for palliative care practice because they have a broad scope of practice and autonomy. Nurse practitioners have advanced skills and knowledge to assess, diagnose and treat medical conditions; they are able to intervene in symptom management and prescribe meds (especially controlled drugs such as opioids). They are also able to manage all aspects of care and most importantly provide continuing care which is so crucial for palliative patients nearing the end of their life.
NPs have nursing presence … whereby they provide a holistic approach to the care they provide for their patients; they are more accessible and available than doctors because they can spend more time with the patient and family. They are present when meeting the patient and family meaning that they are attentive to all patient’s needs including psychosocial needs.
Nurse practitioners (NPs) are registered nurses who have additional education and nursing experience, which enables them to:
- Autonomously diagnose and treat illnesses
- Order and interpret tests
- Prescribe medications
- Perform medical procedures
Nurse Practitioners (NPs) are healthcare professionals who take a holistic approach to patient care. They:
- Address both physical and mental health needs
- Gather comprehensive medical histories
- Focus on how illnesses impact patients’ lives and their families
- Provide guidance on leading healthy lifestyles
- Educate patients on managing chronic illnesses
Additionally, NPs serve as educators and researchers, offering expertise and consultation to other members of the healthcare team.
Where do nurse practitioners work?
Nurse Practitioners (NPs) work in a wide range of healthcare settings, including:
- Community care
- Community clinics
- Healthcare centers
- Physicians’ offices
- Patients’ homes
- Long-term care facilities
- Nursing homes
- Hospitals
- Outpatient clinics
- Emergency rooms
- Other patient care areas
- NP-led clinics
Nurse Practitioners (NPs) offer a broad spectrum of direct care services to individuals at all stages of life. Beyond treating illnesses, they educate individuals and their families about healthy living, disease prevention, and illness management. NPs combine medical expertise with the values and skills of nursing. Additionally, they are leaders, consultants, and researchers who integrate new knowledge into their practice.
Benefits of Nurse Practitioners
Nurse Practitioners (NPs) contribute significantly to Canadians and their healthcare system. Research on their impact and patient experiences reveals that NPs:
- Engage patients in their care decisions
- Enhance access to primary healthcare
- Alleviate pressures on the healthcare system
- Are trusted and appreciated by patients
- Deliver high-quality management of chronic illnesses, such as diabetes and high blood pressure
NURSE PRACTITIONER PROGRAMS
Nurse Practitioner (NP) Programs (cno.org)
The primary health care nurse practitioner programs (PHCNP) were established by the Council of Ontario University Programs in Nursing (COUPN). Nine universities offer this program.
PRIMARY HEALTH CARE SPECIALTY PROGRAMS (COUPN CONSORTIUM)
| School | Nursing Program | CNO Program Category | Approval Status |
| Lakehead University | Primary Health Nurse Practitioner (Masters) | Pre-health education entry specified program | Approved |
| Lakehead University | Primary Health Nurse Practitioner (Post-Masters) | Pre-health education entry specified program | Approved |
| Laurentian University | Primary Health Care Nurse Practitioner (Masters) | Pre-health education entry specified program | Approved |
| Laurentian University | Primary Health Care Nurse Practitioner (Masters) (French) | Pre-health education entry specified program | Approved |
| McMaster University | Primary Health Care Nurse Practitioner (Masters) | Pre-health education entry specified program | Approved |
| McMaster University | Primary Health Care Nurse Practitioner Graduate Diploma (Post-Masters) | Pre-Health Education Entry Specified Program | Approved |
| Queen’s University | Primary Health Care Nurse Practitioner (Masters) | Pre-health education entry specified program | Approved |
| Queen’s University | Primary Health Care Nurse Practitioner Diploma (Post-Masters) | Pre-health education entry specified program | Approved |
| Toronto Metropolitan University | MN/Primary Health Care Nurse Practitioner (Masters) | Pre-health education entry specified program | Approved |
| Toronto Metropolitan University | Primary Health Care Nurse Practitioner Certificate (Post-Masters) | Pre-health education entry specified program | Approved |
| University of Ottawa | Master of Science Nursing/ Diploma Primary Health Care for Nurse Practitioner | Pre-health education entry specified program | Approved |
| University of Ottawa | Master of Science Nursing/ Diploma Primary Health Care for Nurse Practitioner (French) | Pre-health education entry specified program | Approved |
| University of Ottawa | Diploma Primary Health Care for Nurse Practitioner (Post-Masters) | Pre-health education entry specified program | Approved |
| University of Ottawa | Diploma Primary Health Care for Nurse Practitioner (Post Masters) (French) | Pre-health education entry specified program | Approved |
| University of Windsor | Primary Health Care Nurse Practitioner (Masters) | Pre-health education entry specified program | Approved |
| University of Windsor | Graduate Diploma Primary Health Care Nurse Practitioner (Post-Masters) | Pre-health education entry specified program | Approved |
| Western University | Master of Nursing/Primary Health Care Nurse Practitioner | Pre-health education entry specified program | Approved |
| Western University | Primary Health Care Nurse Practitioner Certificate (Post-Masters) | Pre-health education entry specified program | Approved |
| York University | Primary Health Care Nurse Practitioner (Masters) | Pre-health education entry specified program | Approved |
PRIMARY HEALTH CARE SPECIALTY PROGRAMS
| School | Nursing Program | CNO Program Category | Approval Status |
| University of Toronto | Primary Health Care Nurse Practitioner – Global Health (Masters) | Pre-health education entry specified program | Approved |
| University of Toronto | Post-Masters Nurse Practitioner Diploma – Global Health (Post-Masters) | Pre-health education entry specified program | Approved |
ADULT SPECIALTY PROGRAMS
| School | Nursing Program | CNO Program Category | Approval Status |
| University of Toronto | Primary Health Care Nurse Practitioner – Adult (Masters) | Pre-health education entry specified program | Approved |
| University of Toronto | Post-Masters Nurse Practitioner Diploma – Adult (Post-Masters) | Pre-health education entry specified program | Approved |
PAEDIATRICS SPECIALTY PROGRAMS
| School | Nursing Program | CNO Program Category | Approval Status |
| University of Toronto | Primary Health Care Nurse Practitioner – Paediatrics (Masters) | Pre-health education entry specified program | Approved Please note that the University of Toronto is no longer offering admission to the Paediatric NP program |
| University of Toronto | Post-Masters Nurse Practitioner Diploma – Paediatrics (Post-Masters) | Pre-health education entry specified program | Approved Please note that the University of Toronto is no longer offering admission to the Paediatric NP program |
In Ontario, Community Care Access Centres (CCAC) offer a number of palliative care programs that are led by nurse practitioners.
Registration Requirements for Nurse Practitioners:
| Eligibility for registration in the General Class | You must demonstrate that: you are or have been registered as an RN in the General Class in Ontario or You are eligible to register as an RN in the General Class in Ontario or You are or have been registered as an RN with a health regulatory authority elsewhere in Canada, in one of the states within the United States of America, or in another jurisdiction approved by Council. |
|---|
Registration Requirements (cno.org)
To register as a nurse practitioner (NP) in Alberta, you need:
- An Alberta registered nurse practice permit
- A master’s degree in nursing or a post-master’s certificate or diploma from an approved nurse practitioner program
- 4,500 hours of experience as a registered nurse
- Successful completion of a nurse practitioner exam for the chosen stream of practice
- Successful completion of the CRNA Jurisprudence courses
Other criteria may apply for applicants who come from other jurisdictions in Canada or who are internationally educated.
Nurse Practitioner: Certifications in Alberta – alis
College Connect (nurses.ab.ca)
NURSE PRACTITIONER EXAMINATIONS:
EXAMINATIONS FOR ONTARIO NP GRADUATES
EXAMINATIONS FOR GRADUATES OF NP PROGRAMS OUTSIDE ONTARIO
Nurse Practitioner examinations (cno.org)
Nurse Practitioners provide early diagnosis of hospice palliative care needs. They provide direct clinical care in the patient’s home (within the scope of practice of a nurse practitioner). They help patients identify the best possible place to spend their remaining days whether it is at home, hospital or hospice. If the patient chooses to remain at home, nurse practitioners support them to live comfortably in their own home for as long as possible. NPs help improve pain and symptom management through medication and other interventions. They improve access and referrals to specialist services (Central Local Health Integration Network, 2017; Hamilton Niagara Haldimand Brant Local Health Integration Network, 2017)
- A Nurse Practitioner (NP) plays a crucial role in addressing medical futility by providing holistic care and support.
- They engage in clear and compassionate communication with patients and families, ensuring understanding of the prognosis and treatment limitations.
- NPs advocate for the patient’s wishes and values, facilitate ethical decision-making, and collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to develop appropriate care plans.
- They offer emotional support, integrate palliative care principles, and educate families about medical futility.
- Additionally, NPs ensure thorough documentation, adhere to institutional policies, and stay informed about legal implications, ultimately enhancing the quality of life for patients facing life-limiting conditions.
In Ontario, doctors and nurse practitioners who want to be able to prescribe high strength opioids and other restricted drugs required for palliative purposes (Ontario Medical Association, 2017) must apply for Palliative Care Facilitated Access or PCFA.
- A Nurse Practitioner wishing to be added to the PCFA prescriber list must:
- Hold current certification in the extended class [RN(EC)] with CNO
- Be authorized to prescribe controlled drugs and substances
- Have no restrictions on the NP certification that impact ability to practice, and
- Provide evidence of continuing education in palliative and end-of-life care
Additionally, an NP must also meet one of the below requirements:
- ·Provide 20 or more palliative care consults or assessments within a year
- OR
- ·Provide 30 – 50 or more palliative care visits within a year
- OR
- ·Have been identified by the NP’s employer as an NP provider of palliative care
- OR
- ·Work in collaboration with a Palliative Care Physician or PCFA approved NP.
SALARY OF NURSE PRACTITIONERS
The salary of Nurse Practitioners (NPs) in Canada varies based on factors such as location, experience, and specialty. On average, NPs can expect the following salary ranges:
- Entry-Level (0-5 years of experience): CAD 80,000 – CAD 100,000 per year
- Mid-Level (5-10 years of experience): CAD 90,000 – CAD 120,000 per year
- Experienced (10+ years of experience): CAD 100,000 – CAD 140,000+ per year
In specific provinces and territories, salaries can differ:
- Ontario: CAD 90,000 – CAD 130,000 per year
- British Columbia: CAD 85,000 – CAD 120,000 per year
- Alberta: CAD 95,000 – CAD 135,000 per year
- Manitoba: CAD 80,000 – CAD 110,000 per year
- Quebec: CAD 85,000 – CAD 120,000 per year
These figures are approximate and can vary based on specific job roles, employer types (e.g., hospitals, private practices, community health centers), and additional benefits offered.
200+ Nurse Practitioners Jobs, Employment in Ontario 20 July 2024| Indeed.com