December 20, 1999
(Health and Community Services)

Nurse Practitioner Program receives approval

Joan Marie Aylward, Minister of Health and Community Services, today congratulated the Centre for Nursing Studies on receiving approval for the Nurse Practitioner Program. The program underwent an intensive peer review process by Dr. Margaret Dykeman, Faculty of Nursing, University of New Brunswick and Ruth Martin-Meisner, Faculty of Nursing, Dalhousie University. They concluded that the program meets all standards and competencies as defined by the Association of Registered Nurses of Newfoundland (ARNN). As a result, the council of the ARNN has granted the program full approval status.

"The peer review process by the external experts is a solid indication that the Nurse Practitioner Program is credible," said the minister. "The program well prepares its graduates to collaborate with physicians in providing primary health care services for the citizens of Newfoundland and Labrador."

The Centre for Nursing Studies requested the peer review process of its program in order to provide assurance to citizens and stakeholders that the program design, content and delivery was sound and its graduates were prepared to assume the role of Nurse Practitioner - Primary Health Care in Newfoundland and Labrador. The review was conducted over the period October 12-15, 1999 and included input from nurse practitioner patients, nurse practitioners, nurse practitioner students, physicians and pharmacists.

In July 1997, Minister Aylward announced the implementation of a one year certificate Nurse Practitioner Program to be offered at the Centre for Nursing Studies, operated by the Health Care Corporation of St. John's. The program has seen 25 graduates to date. Another class is expected to graduate in the summer of 2000.

The Nurse Practitioner Program prepares nurses to work with clients/patients and health service practitioners to prevent illness or injury, promote health and care for people who are ill. The program's focus reflects a collaborative approach in identifying and meeting the primary health care needs of individuals, families and communities.

Media contact: Glenn Bruce, (709) 729-1377.

1999 12 20 4:20 p.m.