In Nova Scotia, there is a provincial Improving Access to Care: RN Prescribing Committee who is leading the exploration of improved access to health care services for Nova Scotians by enabling RNs with specialized education and skills to prescribe medications within their specific area of expertise, practice setting and client population.
We sit on the committee, alongside representatives from the Nova Scotia Health Authority (NSHA), IWK Health Centre, Department of Health & Wellness, continuing care/long term care and Dalhousie University. This work began in 2017 and continues to move forward with a vision to enable RN prescribers to work within the Nova Scotia health care system.
Why is RN Prescribing a Trending Topic?
The roles and responsibilities of Canadian health care professionals are always evolving to meet the needs of clients. Several provinces /territories across Canada have implemented or are considering implementing some level of RN prescribing to help improve access to health services.
In some provinces/territories, RNs with specialized education and skills working within a team of health professionals prescribe medications to a defined population. This has been shown to provide safe and effective care, including improved access to care.
What is an RN Prescriber?
The RN prescriber is a nurse with an expanded scope of practice that enables them to prescribe medications and devices and order relevant screening or diagnostic tests within their specific area of prescribing competence and practice. RN prescribers have completed additional education and met additional registration requirements.
How are RN Prescribers Different from Nurse Practitioners?
The role of an RN Prescriber will not replace or duplicate services currently provided by nurse practitioners, but rather will complement these services and allow for health care providers to most appropriately treat the needs of patients.
Upholding Public Safety
Our role is to make sure that Nova Scotians receive safe care from nurses. Our role on the committee and as part of this work overall has been to develop a regulatory framework to ensure only those with who have the knowledge, skill and advanced education are able to register and practise as an RN prescriber.
With the introduction of the RN prescriber role in Nova Scotia, we have developed a framework to ensure RN prescribers understand what is expected of them and are prepared to provide safe, ethical care to patients in Nova Scotia. Click here to learn more about our regulatory framework and how it has been developed to keep you safe.
If you have any questions, reach out to us at practice@nscn.ca