Thursday, May 31, 2012

More Funding For BC Nurse Practitioners


B.C. funds 190 more nurse practitioner positions

The government is funding 190 nurse practitioner (NP) positions over the next three years to provide better access to health care for British Columbian families.

The $22.2-million Nurse Practitioners for BC (NP4BC) initiative will begin this fall. NP4BC will provide opportunities for existing nurse practitioners, as well as new graduate nurse practitioners, to be fully integrated in the health-care system. The majority will be working in primary health-care settings, which can include public health offices, medical clinics, residential care or other community settings.

The 190 positions will support existing qualified nurse practitioners who have not been able to secure a nurse practitioner position, as well as ensuring that opportunities are there for newly-qualified nurse practitioners graduating in the future. Currently, 225 nurse practitioners are registered with the College of Registered Nurses of B.C. About 72 are presently not practising within their chosen profession, with the expectation of another 30 graduates this year.

B.C. has the ability to train up to 45 nurse practitioners a year, 15 at each of the University of British Columbia, the University of Northern British Columbia and the University of Victoria.

The health system is faced with increasing demands and costs driven by an aging, growing population and a higher prevalence of chronic diseases. This requires the Province to look for new and innovative approaches to service delivery, including nurse practitioners.

Nurse practitioners were introduced to B.C. in 2005 to assist in improving access to primary health-care services. In fall 2011, the Province passed legislation allowing nurse practitioners to work fully within their existing scope of practice.  

For more information about Nurse Practitioners visit their website by clicking following image:

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