The Registered Nurses’ Union Newfoundland & Labrador (RNU) is marking National Nurse Practitioner (NP) Week, November 9-15, by celebrating the critical role Nurse Practitioners play in providing accessible, high-quality healthcare across the province. RNU is calling on the public and government to recognize NPs for their leadership, expertise, and commitment to improving the wellbeing of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.
In advance of NP Week, RNU President Yvette Coffey met with Premier Tony Wakeham and the Honourable Lela Evans, Minister of Health and Community Services, to officially sign a proclamation recognizing Nurse Practitioners’ Week in Newfoundland and Labrador. This joint signing underscores the importance of NPs in strengthening access to care and building a more sustainable public healthcare system.
Through its NP for That campaign, RNU highlights the many ways NPs help patients get the care they need, whether that is diagnosing and prescribing, managing chronic conditions, or leading community health initiatives.
“Nurse Practitioners are leading the way in delivering trusted primary and specialized care that meets Newfoundlanders and Labradorians where they’re at – in urban, rural and remote areas,” says Yvette Coffey. “Their expertise, compassion, and innovation are making a real difference for patients every single day. Whether it’s helping someone manage a chronic illness, providing urgent care, or supporting families in their communities, there’s an NP for that.”
NPs are vital to a stronger, more sustainable healthcare system. They work in hospitals, clinics, long-term care, and community health settings ensuring patients have access to timely, person-centered care.
“If we want to build a stronger, more sustainable public healthcare system, we must continue to invest in Nurse Practitioners,” Coffey adds. “That means expanding NP positions, ensuring they can work to their full scope of practice, and recognizing the tremendous value they bring to our healthcare teams and to every community in this province.”
Throughout NP Week, RNU will spotlight the stories and contributions of local NPs who exemplify leadership, expertise, and dedication to their patients and communities.
To learn more about the work of NPs in Newfoundland and Labrador, visit npforthat.ca.
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About the Registered Nurses’ Union Newfoundland & Labrador
The Registered Nurses’ Union Newfoundland & Labrador represents over 5,800 registered nurses and nurse practitioners across the province, advocating for quality health care, safe working conditions, and respect for the nursing profession.
For more information, please contact:
Jonathan Hamel
Director of Communications
Registered Nurses’ Union Newfoundland & Labrador
Tel: (709) 691-6890
Email: jhamel@rnunl.ca