What is a Nurse Practitioner-Led Clinic?
Nurse Practitioner-Led Clinics (NPLCs) follow a primary health care model in which Nurse Practitioners (NPs) are the lead health care providers, increasing the accessibility of primary care to the community. In this model, NPLCs go beyond looking after your physical health — mental and social health are just as important.
NPs collaborate with other health professionals (e.g., registered nurses, practical nurses, dietitians, social workers, consulting physicians) to deliver comprehensive services to people of all ages. As a primary care model, increased focus is also given to disease prevention, health promotion and education, chronic disease management, and helping people navigate the health care system. NPLCs partner with other community agencies to further improve care and service coordination.
What are Nurse Practitioners?
Nurse Practitioners (NPs) are Registered Nurses (RNs) in the Extended Class as regulated by the College of Nurses of Ontario. That means they have all the experience of a RN, with the addition of advanced university education — Master’s degree or above.
NPs are able to practice independently, providing a full spectrum of health care services to patients, from assessing and diagnosing to treatment and monitoring. They are able to prescribe medications, order tests and lab work, refer to specialists, and provide health promotion as needed. Further, they will collaborate with other health professionals to ensure a holistic approach to care.
- Read more: https://npao.org/about-npao/what-is-a-np/