I’ve got an NP for that

I’ve got an NP for that

October 6, 2025

I’ve got an NP for that

The NP experience is a solution to the primary care provider shortage

A 47,000-person waitlist. Poor health outcomes. Lowest in Canada for access to care. This is the reality of Newfoundland and Labrador’s healthcare. Our province faces a major shortage of primary care providers.

While several solutions can help to fix this crisis, we already have one: Nurse Practitioners (NP). NPs are primary care providers that already deliver essential care across the province that is accessible and thorough. They assess, diagnose and treat illnesses. They prescribe medications and help patients manage their long-term wellbeing. Many Newfoundlanders and Labradorians rely on NPs as their first, and sometimes only, point of access to healthcare.

As part of our long-running Clarity Project, we created the ‘There’s an NP for that’ campaign to promote public awareness and recognition of the vital role of NPs. Since July 2025, we’ve shared about their scope of work, what they do for patients and which settings they work in.

For the next few weeks, we’re passing the baton to our fellow Newfoundlanders and Labradorians to share their personal experiences of getting treated by NPs.

The NP experience

NPs help patients feel seen, heard and safe. They don’t just look at the obvious symptoms. They also consider other factors that affect a person’s health. This holistic approach means they can catch and treat conditions earlier, helping to reduce situations that add pressure on the healthcare system. For example, emergency room admissions from long-term care facilities reduced by 20 percent.

Below are the experiences of patients across Newfoundland and Labrador that highlight just how essential NPs are to the communities they serve.

“My experience with a Nurse Practitioner has been excellent. She is always there when I need her, and her care and understanding are unmatched.”

Patient from Clarenville, NL

“As a primary healthcare provider, I can attest to the high level of professional service I have received from three Nurse Practitioners. Their assessments and follow-through were exceptional.”

Patient from Stephenville, NL

“If I didn't have a Nurse Practitioner to take care of me, I wouldn’t have anyone. I couldn’t get a family doctor, but thankfully I found an NP who accepted me as a patient. I can see them for regular bloodwork and prescriptions, or for something as simple as a flu or sore throat, instead of having to go to the ER.”

Patient from Kippens, NL

“I had an NP at a collaborative clinic as my primary provider for a few years. I had nothing but positive visits with her. She was thorough and validating. I felt heard and well cared for under the guidance of an NP. They followed up with all of my needs thoroughly and in a timely manner.”

Patient from Paradise, NL

“It was great. I felt very comfortable, and my concerns were taken seriously.”

Patient from Grand-Falls Windsor, NL

“I had seen an NP with concerns about my son. I had been seeing a GP and felt like I wasn’t being seen or heard. After speaking with the NP and voicing my concerns, they were careful not to overstep my GP but provided opinions and options to discuss. When I pushed for what the NP had suggested with my GP, I finally received answers. The NP was correct, and my exact thoughts and concerns for my child were correct as well. The NP finally addressed a diagnosis that had been left untreated for too long. I feel NPs are a very important part of our healthcare system, and everyone should feel privileged to be seen by one. Many do not realize the critical role NPs play or how valuable they are. Without the help of an NP, my child would not be where they are today, with better hearing, vision, and correction of their foot disorder.”

Patient from Flatrock, NL

“My NP was effective, thorough, and pleasant.”

Patient from Goulds, NL

“I received care from an NP while I was pregnant. I had a really bad cough and cold, which I initially thought was just the yearly flu. I went to a physician’s office, and they prescribed a medication I was not able to take while pregnant and told me to let it run its course, coming back for a follow up only if I did not improve within a week. Later that week, I saw an NP, who sent me for a chest X-ray and prescribed antibiotics that were safe during pregnancy. It turned out I actually had pneumonia. I was very grateful for the extra testing and the proper diagnosis, which allowed me to better care for myself while pregnant. NPs are so needed in this province.”

Patient from Conception Harbour, NL

“Even though I have a family MD, I had an urgent issue that couldn’t wait for an appointment. I booked a visit with an NP who thoroughly assessed me, took my history, accurately diagnosed me, and ordered all the necessary tests. She made sure I got the right follow-up for any additional testing I needed. I was very thankful for her immediate and compassionate response to my urgent situation. Outside my own personal experience for medical care from an NP, I am an RN myself and work alongside some fantastic NPs who I witness every day provide compassionate care to our patients. They are very attentive to our patients, their families, and provide the utmost holistic standard of care.”

Patient from St. John’s, NL

“Excellent, very knowledgeable, and thorough. The NP considered all the options and presented them to me. I would love to have the opportunity to have an NP as my primary healthcare provider! My current MD has a waitlist of 6 WEEKS for a telephone visit!!! And only a few days more for a clinic visit!”

Patient from Conception Bay South, NL

“I just love them. They do a great job and provide a much-needed service.”

Patient from Trepassy, NL

“Our NP, Trent McDonald, is as good as—or better than—any GP we have ever had. We wouldn’t even consider leaving him for a GP. His knowledge knows no bounds, and there aren’t enough words to describe the high regard in which we hold him.”

Patient from Conception Bay South, NL

“The NP thoroughly assessed me and made me feel truly welcome. They never rushed me, and I appreciated the time and care they took to address all my concerns.”

Patient from St. John’s, NL
Share your NP experience

Be part of the solution

Everyone deserves timely access to publicly funded care as close to home as possible. We encourage you to help us spread the word about how valuable NPs are to our collective wellbeing.

You can get involved in a few different ways:

  • Visit our campaign page to learn more about NPs and share what you know with your friends, family, and coworkers. Talk about the care NPs provide and why they matter.
  • Share your experience if you received care from an NP. We’ll feature your story on the campaign platforms.
  • Look for digital and physical ads around the province and reshare them on social media whenever possible. Remember to tag us:

When more people speak up, decision-makers listen. Together, we can push for more NP hires, to expand more NP-led clinics, and for a funding model that will enable them to fulfil their scope of work.

Visit the campaign page