The Nurses Association of New Brunswick is concerned the provincial government is not calling on nurse practitioners to fill existing primary care provider vacancies.
Executive Director Laurie Janes says in a province with some of the highest rates of chronic disease, mental illness, and poverty, there is no reason to not make use of nurse practitioners.
Janes says there has been little commitment from the government to increase the role of nurse practitioners within the health system.
They can assess illnesses, prescribe several medications, and order necessary tests.
Association President Brenda Kinney says not only are NPs highly educated, competent and safe, but they offer a viable, cost-effective solution to healthcare.
