FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 9, 2026
RNU Celebrates Nurse Practitioners and Their Essential Contributions to Healthcare
St. John’s, NL – The Registered Nurses’ Union Newfoundland & Labrador (RNU) is celebrating National Nurse Practitioners Week, November 8–14, recognizing the advanced clinical expertise, leadership, and contributions of Nurse Practitioners (NPs) across the province.
Nurse Practitioners are highly educated, autonomous healthcare professionals who assess and diagnose patients, order and interpret diagnostic tests, prescribe medications, and manage a wide range of health conditions. Working in hospitals, long-term care, primary care, and communities throughout Newfoundland and Labrador, NPs provide essential healthcare services that improve access to care.
“Nurse Practitioners bring an exceptional level of knowledge, skill, and clinical judgment to patient care,” said Yvette Coffey, RN, President of RNU. “Their expertise makes them an invaluable part of our publicly funded, publicly delivered healthcare system. This week, we celebrate their contributions and recognize the important role they play in the health of our communities.”
As part of its ongoing Healthcare Works Because Nurses Do campaign, RNU is highlighting the essential contributions of nurses, including NPs, to healthcare across the province.
RNU continues to advocate for greater opportunities for NPs to practise to their full scope, expanded access to publicly funded NP-led care, and the resources and supports needed to strengthen their role in healthcare.
“Recognizing Nurse Practitioners means valuing their expertise and ensuring they have every opportunity to use it,” added Coffey. “When NPs are supported to practise to their full scope, patients benefit, access to care improves, and our public healthcare system is stronger.”
RNU encourages Newfoundlanders and Labradorians to join in celebrating Nurse Practitioners and recognizing the difference they make for patients, families, and communities.
Healthcare Works Because Nurses Do.
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A message from Mark Aylward, NP
About the Registered Nurses’ Union Newfoundland & Labrador
The Registered Nurses’ Union Newfoundland & Labrador represents over 6,000 registered nurses, registered psychiatric 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