Barriers persist for nurse practitioners

Almost a decade after nurse practitioners (NP) were introduced into BC’s health care system to expand accessibility, health-care options and fill gaps in the system, barriers prevent them from fully performing their roles, a report by University of Victoria’s School of Nursing has found.

Lack of doctors’ and managers’ support and knowledge of the NP role, legislative barriers and funding issues are ongoing challenges, the Practice Pattern Survey concludes.

“Government and those who employ nurse practitioners must address the barriers that are preventing these health-care providers from being accepted and truly integrated into BC’s health care system,” says the report’s author Esther Sangster-Gormley, an associate professor in the school.

Nurse practitioners are registered nurses who have graduate level education and nursing experience. They can diagnose and treat illnesses, order tests, prescribe medications and refer patients to a specialist.

The survey, conducted to provide evidence of how NP are practicing in BC, is part of a larger study funded by the Michael Smith Foundation for Health Research to evaluate the integration of NP in the province.

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