FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 14, 2023
Registered Nurses’ Union Celebrating Week
Week of November 12th – 18th
St. John’s, NL – Nurse Practitioners (NPs) play a vital role in our public health care system. During Nurse Practitioners’ Week from November 12th to 18th, the Registered Nurses’ Union Newfoundland & Labrador (RNU) is celebrating the difference they make in the delivery of healthcare services in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Nurse Practitioners have advanced education and extend primary care access. They meet emerging health care needs of individuals, families, groups, populations, and entire communities in a wide range of settings and for all aspects of health, including health promotion, illness prevention, treatment, maintenance, restoration, rehabilitation, and palliative care.
“NPs regularly diagnose, treat, and manage acute and chronic illnesses,” said Coffey. “Their wealth of knowledge and experience mean they are able to quickly and efficiently meet the needs of patients at every stage of life.”
For example, Health Accord NL recognizes the value and need for Nurse Practitioners. In the many recommendations made by the Accord, there are multiple requirements for increasing the number of NPs – especially in the care of the elderly – and for allowing NPs to be better utilized within community teams.
“Nurse Practitioners’ Week is an excellent opportunity for the government to answer the recommendations in Health Accord NL,” said Coffey. “NPs are real difference makers, and we need more of them in our public healthcare system. Let’s make that happen.”
To mark Nurse Practitioners’ Week, RNU and the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador has signed a proclamation recognizing Nurse Practitioners’ Week in our province. RNU has also released a video on social media highlighting the difference NPs make. The video can be viewed at https://youtu.be/dcA_SarIDVo?si=-HGOpn8T-VBIGDsb
Newfoundlanders and Labradorians are also invited to follow RNU’s social media channels for more information on Nurse Practitioners and for up-to-date information on important issues facing healthcare in our province.
-30-
The Registered Nurses’ Union Newfoundland & Labrador represents more than 5,800 registered nurses and nurse practitioners working in acute care, long-term care, community, education and research.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Jonathan Hamel
Communications Specialist
Registered Nurses’ Union Newfoundland & Labrador
Tel: (709) 691-6890
Email: jhamel@rnunl.ca