Nurse Practitioners (NP)

Nurse practitioners are primary health care providers who can look after all your health care needs.

Who are nurse practitioners?

Nurse Practitioners are registered nurses who have completed a nurse practitioner program in primary health care and have advanced knowledge, skills and clinical expertise. They are licensed to practice through the College Nurses of Ontario

Nurse Practitioners work independently in a collaborative environment with other health care professionals. They are trained to diagnose and treat illnesses, order and interpret tests, and prescribe medications, treatments and therapies. At Norfolk General Hospital, you will find our Nurse Practitioners on the 3E and 3B unit, Holmes House and in the Emergency Department.

Norfolk General Hospital employs five nurse practitioners.

What do nurse practitioners do?

• Are primary care providers
• Offer client-centred care, including health promotion; disease and injury prevention; and curative, supportive and rehabilitative care throughout the client’s lifespan
• NPs work with various population groups, immigrants, First Nations communities
• Diagnose, treat and manage acute or chronic illnesses
• Order screening and diagnostic tests including X-rays, ECGs, etc.
• Prescribe medications and monitor their effectiveness
• Refer clients, if needed, to specialists or other health care professionals

 Where do nurse practitioners practice?

• Emergency Departments / Urgent Care Centres
• Community health centres
• Public Health Units
• Schools
• Nursing homes
• Sexual health centres
• Addiction treatment centres
• Mental health centres
• First Nations communities