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Nurse Practitioners

Nurse practitioners are masters prepared nurses with advanced knowledge and education in primary, acute or specialty health care.

Primary healthcare Nurse Practitioners care for patients across all ages and stages of life, focusing on whole-person health and building strong patient relationships. Primary health care nurse practitioners work closely with other health professionals to deliver comprehensive care as part of an interprofessional team. 

 

Primary Healthcare Nurse Practitioners

A nurse practitioner working in family practice can:

  • Be your primary care provider
  • Order and interpret lab tests and diagnostic imaging
  • Diagnose and treat health issues, including urgent health concerns and ongoing conditions.  
  • Prescribe medications
  • Manage complex illnesses
  • Provide health screening and preventative care
  • Perform exams and minor surgical procedures
  • Make referrals and coordinate care with specialists and other health care providers  

Adapted from the College of Registered Nurses of Nova Scotia and the Canadian Nurses Association.

Specialty Nurse Practitioners

Accessing Primary Care

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