Nurse Practitioner
Nurse Pracitioners are registered nurses who have a university degree in nursing and a Master’s Degree or Practitioner Certificate. They conduct assessments and refer patients to physicians and in some locations (often in the north) may treat common maladies. They work under the supervision of a physician.
The Cool Things They Do:
- Interview patients and recording medical histories
- Promote health education within the community
- Conduct physical exams for children and adults
- Advise clients about nutrition and lifestyle
- Diagnose and treat minor illnesses such as colds, flu and infections
- Treat minor injuries
Nurses work in clinics, offices, or treatment rooms. Their job is often intense and fast-paced and often involves dealing with patients who have many problems. It requires physical stamina and can be mentally stressful. They may work alone with patients or alongside doctors as part of a healthcare team and often have to put in overtime hours.
- Community health centres
- Hospital outpatient clinics
- Family practice departments
- A genuine interest in helping others
- Patience, compassion, and emotional maturity
- Well organized
- Strong interpersonal and leadership skills
- Critical thinking skills and the ability to be decisive under stress
- Physical fitness and stamina
- Ability to work alone or in a team
University degree in Nursing followed by a Master’s degree or Certificate program
Length of Training : 5-6 years post -secondary
Certification (s) :
National : Pass national Nursing exam
Ontario : Licensure with the College of Nurses of Ontario
- Math
- Biology
- Chemistry
- English
Canada’s aging population requires an ever-increasing supply of medical services and governments are increasing funding for health care. More job openings exist in this field than there are qualified people to fill them.
Annual salary: $60,000 to $80,000.
Canadian Nurses Association
http://www.cna-nurses.ca
College of Nurses of Ontario
http://www.cno.org
Ontario Nurses' Association
http://www.ona.org/index.html
Registered Practical Nurses Association of Ontario
http://www.rnao.org
Canadian Nurses Foundation
http://www.canadiannursesfoundation.com
The Nurse Practitioners Association of Ontario
http://www.npao.org
American Nurses Association (US)
http://www.ana.org
Job Futures:
Licensed Practical Nurse (3233)
http://jobfutures.ca/noc/3233.shtml
Note:
If you would like further information on any of these careers, be sure to ask your teacher or guidance counsellor.
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