Province Supports Nurse Practitioner Program
Students enrolled in the Dalhousie University School of Nursing's new nurse practitioner program can expect to pay affordable tuition fees this year thanks to Department of Health funding.
Health Minister Jamie Muir announced today that the Department of Health will provide $150,000 annually for the next three years to help with tuition fees.
"It is our intent that this funding will allow the university to set fees to a level that are competitive with other comparable programs," said Mr. Muir.
The Department of Health wanted to make sure the program's tuition fees did not prevent people from applying.
The funding fulfils a government commitment to support professional development opportunities that recognize the increasing complexity and specialization of nursing care.
Mr. Muir also said the introduction of nurse practitioner education is consistent with the Department's plans to promote community-based primary health care initiatives. These initiatives will be encouraged throughout Nova Scotia along with the new district health authorities and community health boards.
"As part of our increased emphasis on community-based primary health care it is necessary for us to develop and support new roles and working relationships for members of our health care team," said the minister. "We're pleased to lend our support to this important program."
The director of the Dalhousie University School of Nursing also acknowledged the significance of the investment.
"On behalf of the school of nursing I want to commend the Nova Scotia Department of Health for its commitment to promoting community-based primary health care initiatives throughout Nova Scotia," said Barbara Downe-Wamboldt. "The addition of nurse practitioners to primary health care services will make an important contribution to the health of Nova Scotians."
A nurse practitioner is a registered nurse with specialized skills and knowledge in health assessment and promotion, disease prevention, and management of selected health problems. Nurse practitioners use community-development strategies to promote self-care, self-reliance and participation in decision-making about health.