A progressive new nursing program designed to give B.C.
residents better access to health-care services was launched
this week at the University of British Columbia as students
started classes in the Family Nurse Practitioners (FNP) program.
"The availability of nurse practitioners will revolutionize
how health care is delivered," says Nursing Prof. Gloria
Joachim, Nurse Practitioner planning leader. "This program
allows nurses to step up to the plate and work to their full
potential to help address the health-care crisis."
Nurse practitioners will be able to diagnose, prescribe and
refer patients to specialists. The new program gives registered
nurses advanced knowledge and decision-making skills in assessment,
diagnosis and management of patients and clients. They will
work independently and in collaboration with physicians and
other health professionals.
The FNP is among only a handful of such programs being offered
in Canada. Similar programs have been offered in the U.S.
for about 30 years, says Joachim.
Students entering the program must hold a bachelor’s degree
in Nursing. They will graduate from the two-year, full-time
FNP program with a Master of Science in Nursing degree. Admission
requirements for the program include demonstrated excellence
in at least two to three years of clinical nursing practice
as well as a readiness to shift to a more independent type
of practice.
"With their additional competencies, nurse practitioners
will take on roles that are considerably expanded from the
traditional role of registered nurses," says Joachim.
"They will be part of the health-care team giving primary
care and will also bring much needed expertise to the care
of the elderly and those with complex chronic conditions.
Their service will be particularly appreciated in rural and
underserved areas."
Graduates must write a certification exam at the end of the
program before they can practice. Pay rates for nurse practitioners
have not yet been established.
For more information, visit www.nursing.ubc.ca.
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