News Releases
Nurse Practitioners Now A Saskatchewan Reality
(Regina, April 30, 2004) Maureen Klenk, RN(NP), one of Saskatchewan's new nurse practitioners said that the process of authorization for an RN to become a Nurse Practitioner has been rigorous, requiring two years of additional education. She explained that Nurse Practitioners are still a relatively new addition to the nursing workforce. Today, she becomes one of eleven Nurse Practitioners in Saskatchewan to be licenced to practice in this role.
Klenk is thrilled that cabinet approved the last regulations enabling the licensure of nurse practitioners this week. She explained "Nurse practitioners diagnose health problems and prescribe medications, as well as advocate for health promotion and disease prevention. They look beyond treating the ailment and consider non-medical intervention and encourage self-care." Nurse Practitioners working with physicians and other health care team members will improve access to timely quality care. Klenk who resides in Regina has over 10 years of northern nursing experience. Klenk plans to return to the north this summer to work as a Nurse Practitioner.
"The requirements for recognition as a Nurse Practitioner will be formally regulated by the SRNA, focusing on safety, quality, and standards," said Candace Skrapek, RN, President of the SRNA. The Nurse Practitioner will provide a complementary health option for the people of Saskatchewan. They will work in partnership with other health professionals to ensure the best healthcare for their clients.
"Nurse Practitioners will strengthen access to the health system," said Donna Brunskill, RN, Executive Director of the Saskatchewan Registered Nurses' Association (SRNA). "They integrate elements such as diagnosing, treating health problems and prescribing medication into their nursing practice."
In December, 2003 the SRNA approved the Saskatchewan Institute of Applied Science and Technology's (SIAST) Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Program, leading to registration eligibility. Nurse Practitioners will work in many areas of the health care system, such as community health centres and primary care teams. Because Nurse Practitioner is a protected title it will be unlawful for any RN to use the title 'nurse practitioner' without being on the RN(NP) register.
Brunskill said that there has been tremendous interest in nurse practitioner licensure and expects to see over a hundred nurse practitioners in the near future. She said "We are delighted to see Nurse Practitioners legitimized based on their competence, dedication, experience and professionalism. This will help to move our health agenda forward in Saskatchewan."
The SRNA is the professional regulatory body for nurses in the province. Founded in 1917, the SRNA represents the largest group of health professionals in the province with almost 9,000 practising members. The SRNA speaks out on health care issues on behalf of nurses and the public.
For more information, contact:
Maureen Belanger, Communications Coordinator
Saskatchewan Registered Nurses' Association
(306) 359-4243
Last Updated: May 4, 2008