REGINA — Twenty-seven new permanent nurse practitioner positions in rural and remote areas are now available with applications being accepted until June 10, 2024.
The province allocated funding of $4.5 million in this year's budget for the positions.
NPs are registered nurses with additional training to support a higher scope of practice, and working within a primary care team can provide many of the same services as family physicians, including;
- advanced assessments, diagnosis, and treatment of acute and chronic illness;
- ordering diagnostic tests;
- admitting and discharging patients;
- prescribing medications; and
- performing medical procedures and providing referrals to specialist services.
The Ministry of Health worked in collaboration with the Saskatchewan Health Authority and SANP to prioritize communities that require additional NP services.
Communities that can expect NP services as part of this initiative include:
- Fort Qu'Appelle/Balcarres
- Indian Head
- Yorkton
- Esterhazy
- Preeceville/Kamsack/Canora
- Estevan
- Lanigan
- Melville
- Weyburn
- Kelvington
- Lestock/Raymore
- Hudson Bay
- Cumberland House
- Nipawin/Aborfield/Carrot River
- Lakeland Area - Christopher Lake, Paddockwood
- Biggar
- Wilkie
- Meadow Lake/Goodsoil/Loon Lake
- Lloydminster
- Herbert
- North Battleford
- Outlook
- Turtleford/Edam/St. Walburg
- Maple Creek
- Prince Albert
There are currently 360 licensed NPs in the province.
