Role & Scope of a PCN Nurse Practitioner

What is a Primary Care Network Nurse Practitioner?

As part of a Primary Care Network clinic, Nurse Practitioners (NP) are a patient’s main primary care contact with a patient panel as described in the New-to-Practice NP template. Nurse Practitioners work as part of a Care Team that may include a family physician, registered nurse, clinical pharmacist, social worker, and a mental health and substance use consultant.

A Nurse Practitioner is responsible and accountable for the comprehensive assessment of patients, clients, and residents including diagnosing diseases, disorders and conditions, explaining lab and diagnostic tests, and referring to specialists as needed.

Role Overview

A Nurse Practitioner’s role and scope includes, but is not limited to:

• Initiating treatment including health care management, therapeutic interventions, and medication prescription
• Providing professional guidance to other health care professionals while practicing autonomously and collaboratively within an interdisciplinary health care team, making referrals to specialists and others as appropriate
• Collaborating with patients, clients, residents, and other health care professionals to identify and assess trends and patterns that have implications for patients, clients, residents, families, and communities
• Developing and implementing population and evidence-based strategies to improve health and participating in policy-making activities that influence health services and practices

Qualifications

• Completion of British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives approved Master’s degree level nursing practitioner program
• Eligible for registration as a Nurse Practitioner with the British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives