Interior Health
The number of Nurse Practitioners (NPs) practicing within Interior Health continues to climb thanks to a successful recruitment strategy and focused efforts to enhance primary care.
“Since their introduction in B.C. just over 10 years ago, nurse practitioners have played a vital role in health care, working in unique circumstances with an emphasis on team care,” said Health Minister Terry Lake. “Their expertise is allowing us to support communities as a whole while also focusing on the health of key groups of patients. For example, within Interior Health there are several nurse practitioners with strong rural practice backgrounds, as well as those who specialize in working with marginalized populations.”
Seven new NPs have been hired since this summer alone. There are currently 51 NPs across Interior Health, up from 21 in 2012. These include NPs in a range of roles and communities, including casual, part-time and full-time.
Nurse Practitioners work in partnership with physicians and other health-care professionals to provide quality care to people of all ages, families, groups and communities. They are registered nurses with additional education at the Master’s level and are qualified to diagnose and treat illnesses, order tests, prescribe medications, manage, monitor and review chronic health conditions.
Nov. 13 through 19 is National Nurse Practitioner Week, a chance to celebrate the contributions of these important professionals and increase awareness about their role.
For more information about the role of NPs in today’s health-care system, visit Interior Health’s YouTube channel to check out an online video created in partnership with UBC Okanagan.