BURSARIES AVAILABLE FOR REGISTERED NURSE - NURSE PRACTITIONERS

The provincial government is moving forward with its strategy to improve access to basic, front-line health care. Health Minister John Nilson is announcing additional funding for registered nurses who wish to be licensed as primary health care registered nurse - nurse practitioners, also known as RN(NP)s.

As part of a three-year funding commitment by the provincial government, an additional $100,000 in bursaries is available this year for registered nurses who wish to become nurse practitioners through the Competency Assessment Process of the Saskatchewan Registered Nurses Association.

Registered nurse - nurse practitioners work in an expanded role and are able to diagnose and treat common illnesses, including ordering diagnostic tests and prescribing medication. They collaborate with physicians and other health professionals in primary health care locations across Saskatchewan.

Increasing the number of primary health care registered nurse – nurse practitioners and developing primary health care teams are key recommendations in The Action Plan for Saskatchewan Health Care, and are vital to the success of the government's 10-year primary health care strategy.

"Registered nurse - nurse practitioners are an invaluable resource in primary health care settings across the province," Health Minister John Nilson said. "Offering these challenging opportunities to our registered nurses is another excellent way to improve the health of Saskatchewan residents by giving them easy access to treatment and preventative care."

Bursaries range from $1,000 to $5,000 and are contingent upon a commitment to work in Saskatchewan as an RN(NP) for up to one year. Between 1994 and 2002, more than 80 registered nurses have graduated from nurse practitioner programs in Saskatchewan. Over the next four to 10 years, Saskatchewan Health is working to develop primary health care teams across the province, many of which will have an RN(NP) on staff.

Since the release of the Action Plan in December 2001, primary health care initiatives have included:

- increasing the number of primary health care teams in the province to 25;

- launching the "HealthLine", our 24-hour, nurse-answered health advice and information line;

- hiring Directors of Primary Health Care in each health region;

- establishing the Provincial Diabetes Plan;

- adding diabetic supplies such as syringes, needles, lancets and swabs to the Saskatchewan Drug Plan; and

- enacting regulations for registered nurse - nurse practitioners to be licensed through the Saskatchewan Registered Nurses Association.

Application forms for RN(NP) bursary programs are available on the Saskatchewan Health Web site at www.health.gov.sk.ca. Deadline is June 15th.

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For More Information, Contact:

Mark Rathwell Health Regina Phone: (306) 787-4083