September 8, 1997
(Health)

Joan Marie Aylward, Minister of Health, announced today that $5,000 in bursary assistance will be available to each of the 12 nurses taking part in the Nurse Practitioner Program set to begin this fall. The funding is intended to help offset some of the salary loss and additional costs nurses will incur in order to take the course. The minister expects regional health boards will also provide assistance to their nurses, who are participating in the Nurse Practitioner Program.

The Nurse Practitioner Program was announced on July 4, of this year and will see nurses take an expanded role in the health system. Nurse practitioners will be able to provide expanded services in the communities housing Multi-disciplinary Teaching and Service Unit pilot projects. They will be part of a team including physicians, allied health and support staff in a more integrated health system which will better utilize the varied skills and expertise of the various health providers. Nurse practitioner legislation is expected to be introduced in the House of Assembly this fall.

Nurses participating in the Nurse Practitioner Program will be expected to enter a return in service contract with their respective health board to allow a continuity of employment in the area of need. This practice is consistent with other bursary programs offered by the department. "We are trying to help, to the extent that we can, nurses who have shown a willingness to expand their education and skills for the benefit of their communities," said the minister.

Contact: Glenn Bruce, Director of Communications, (7090 729-1377.