NANB Proposes Immediate Solution to Doctor Shortage
FREDERICTON, Monday March 13, 2017 – The Nurses Association of
New Brunswick (NANB) is concerned as to why the provincial
government has not called upon nurse practitioners (NPs) to fill existing
primary care provider vacancies. In a province with some of the highest
rates of chronic disease, mental illness and poverty in Canada – the
numbers of vacant primary care providers are unnecessary when there
are willing and able, New Brunswick nurse practitioners seeking
employment to maintain their registration to practice in the province.
“Legislated to practice in New Brunswick since 2003, we have seen
little to no commitment from government to increase the role of NPs
within our health care system, forcing graduates to look elsewhere in
the country for employment,” says Laurie Janes, Executive Director of
NANB.
Educated to: assess; prescribe several medications; order necessary
tests; and establish a treatment plan, NPs regularly consult with other
health professionals including both family physicians and specialists.
Surveys continue to indicate a very high-level of patient satisfaction with
NP service. Although barriers in legislation still exist, the NANB
continues to work with various departments to see amendments that
would give NPs the authority to practice within their full scope.
“The Association continues to call for government to increase NP
services, reiterating not only that NPs are highly-educated, competent
and safe primary health providers,” says Brenda Kinney, President of
NANB, “but they also offer a viable, cost-effective solution to a
financially exhausted health care system.”
“NPs are prepared to provide a solution for New Brunswickers without
access to primary care providers,” says Michelle Daniels, President of
the New Brunswick Nurse Practitioner Interest Group. “All it takes is the
willingness of all stakeholders to embrace a system change that has
been proven successful not only in other parts of Canada, but around
the world.”
Click here for the original press release.