From left: Kelly Kean and Michelle Carpenter, nursing consultants with the NL College of Nurses; and Stacey Hancock, professional practice improvement consultant with NL Health Services. 

An NL Health Services program is helping patients get the care they need sooner by expanding the role of registered nurses (RNs). 

The NL Health Services RN Prescribing Program is also gaining national attention for its approach to improving care. 

The program was recently featured at a Canadian Nurses Association conference after being selected from nearly 400 submissions. 

Representatives from NL Health Services and the NL College of Nurses shared how the initiative is supporting eligible RNs to take on an expanded role in patient care. The presentation drew strong interest from health-care professionals across Canada. Newfoundland and Labrador has one of the broadest RN prescribing scopes of practice in the country. 

“We were thrilled with the strong response and honoured to have the opportunity for our team to exchange knowledge, build connections, and highlight NL Health Services’ leadership in advancing nursing practice and improving access to care,” said Katie Snow, RN prescriber with the Central Labrador Family Care Team. 

Supporting nurses to provide timely care

The RN Prescribing Program allows eligible RNs to prescribe certain medications and order tests within their scope of practice. 

“It’s rewarding to be able to do more for the patients we care for. Having the ability to prescribe certain medications and order tests allows us to use more of our skills and knowledge to support patients and help them get the care they need sooner,” said Katie Snow, RN prescriber with the Central Labrador Family Care Team. 

Through specialized education, hands-on learning and mentorship, participating nurses build the skills and confidence to assume these responsibilities and provide more care to patients. 

By expanding what eligible nurses can do, the program helps make better use of their knowledge and skills while supporting more timely care for patients. 

Improving access to care for patients 

“The RN Prescribing Program reflects our commitment to advancing nursing practice and improving access to care. By enabling nurses to work to their full scope of practice, we are optimizing the full potential of nursing expertise, strengthening our teams, and ensuring patients receive the right care, at the right time, from the right team member. It is a powerful example of how advancing scope and innovation in nursing can improve patient outcomes and build a more responsive health system,” said Joanne Pelley, vice-president of quality and learning health systems, chief nurse and chief nursing information officer. 

For patients, RN prescribing can mean receiving assessment, treatment and follow-up care sooner. 

The program is also helping NL Health Services find new ways to meet the needs of patients and communities by supporting nurses to work to their expanded scope of practice. 

While the program is gaining recognition across Canada, its focus remains on making a difference closer to home—helping patient and communities across Newfoundland and Labrador access the care they need. 

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This story was written by Fallon Thomas, digital communications specialist with NL Health Services.