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What is a Nurse Practitioner?Highly Educated, Independent Healthcare Providers
In Alberta, Nurse Practitioners (NPs) are Master’s- or Doctorally-prepared (PhD, DN, DNP) fully independent primary care providers who deliver high-quality care in clinics, community-based and outpatient settings, and hospitals. They bring advanced healthcare expertise blending the nursing and biomedical models of care. Their holistic approach emphasizes evidence-based care, prioritizing patient education, communication, prevention, and collaboration. NPs work with clients of all ages and stages across the province, providing accessible, patient-centred healthcare in partnership with individuals, families, and other providers.
NPs are accountable for their own practice and are independently responsible for diagnosis, testing, referrals, and follow-up. They prescribe medications, explore therapy options, and develop strategies to support long-term health. By focusing on prevention and effective management, Nurse Practitioners improve outcomes and reduce healthcare costs for individuals and the system.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I see a Nurse Practitioner?
Nurse Practitioners blend nursing and biomedial models with a focus on wellness and prevention. They also work in highly specialized settings, such as acute and critical care, in team-based environments, serving as the most responsible healthcare provider.
Studies consistently show that patients who receive care from NPs experience fewer emergency room visits, shorter hospital stays, and lower medication costs — while reporting very high satisfaction with their care.
NPs are accountable for their own practice, responsible for diagnosis, treatment, prescribing, and ongoing management of patient care.
Do I need to see a family doctor if a Nurse Practitioner is my Primary Care Provider (PCP)?
No. Nurse Practitioners are fully qualified to serve as your primary care provider. They can perform check-ups, order and interpret tests, prescribe medications, manage chronic diseases, and refer you to specialists when needed.
NPs are independent regulated professionals under the College of Registered Nurses of Alberta (CRNA). They are fully responsible and accountable for their own practice.
What can Nurse Practitioners do?
The knowledge and skills of a Nurse Practitioner are extensive. They assess, diagnose, and manage health conditions across all ages and complexities — from routine wellness visits to intensive care.
Nurse Practitioners can:
- Order and interpret lab tests and imaging
- Diagnose and treat illnesses
- Prescribe medications and therapies
- Perform advanced or invasive procedures such as suturing, casting, and IUD insertion
- Provide chronic disease management (diabetes, hypertension, asthma, etc.)
- Support mental health and addictions care
- Deliver patient education and preventive health programs
- Upskill competencies to be an expert in their field
- Refer to specialists and coordinate multidisciplinary care, admit and discharge from certain environments, and consult as part of specialized teams
- Educate and train health professionals, participate in research and quality improvement initiatives
Where do Nurse Practitioners work?
You’ll find NPs throughout Alberta’s healthcare system, including:
- Primary care and family practice clinics
- Speciality clinics
- Hospitals and emergency departments
- Neonatal and Adult Intensive Care Units
- Continuing care facilities
- Maternity, mental health, and community clinics
- Rural and remote communities, Private practice
While approximately half of Alberta’s NPs work in hospital and specialty settings, NPAA continues to advocate for funding models that supports the full spectrum of NP services improving access across Alberta’s healthcare system.
How can Nurse Practitioners increase access to primary care?
Nurse practitioners are uniquely positioned to help fill the needs of Albertans by providing the “timely and geographically feasible access to adequate health care services” ensured by the Canada Health Act (Health Canada, 2010).
References
1. Brooten, D., Youngblut, J.M., Kutcher, J., Bobo, C. (2004). Quality and the nursing workforce: APNs, patient outcomes and health care costs. Nursing Outlook. 52:45-52.
Laurant, M., Reeves, D., Hermens, R., Braspenning, J., Grol, R., & Sibbald, B. (2006).Substitution of doctors by nurses in primary care. Cochrane Database of Systemic Reviews.
Mundinger, M.O., Kane, R.L., Lenz, E.R., Totten, A.M., Tsai, W.Y., Cleary, P.D., et al (2000). Primary care outcomes in patients treated by nurse practitioners or physicians: A randomized trial. JAMA, 283(1): 59-68.
Ramsay, J.A., McKenzie, J.K. & Fish, D.G. (1982). Physicians and nurse practitioners: Do they provide equivalent health care? American Journal of Public Health, 72(1), 55-57.
2. Prescott, P.A. & Driscoll, L. (1980). Evaluating nurse practitioner performance. Nurse Practitioner. 1(1): 28-32.
3. Mundinger, M.O., Kane, R.L., Lenz, E.R., Totten, A.M., Tsai, W.Y., Cleary, P.D., et al (2000). Primary care outcomes in patients treated by nurse practitioners or physicians: A randomized trial. JAMA, 283(1): 59-68.
4. Horrocks, S., Anderson, E., Salisbury, C. (2002). Systematic review of whether nurse practitioners working in primary care can provide equivalent care to doctors. British Medical Journal, 324: 819-823.
5. Canadian Nurses Association (2009).Nurse Practitioner: Position Statement.
6. Kleinpell, R.M. (2005). Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Practice: Results of a 5-Year Longitudinal Study. American Journal of Critical Care. 14: 211-219.
VanOyen Force, M. (2009). Nurse Practitioners in acute care: Better outcomes, better care. Nurse Practitioners and PAs, 17(2): 37.
7. American Academy of Nurse Practitioners, 2010. Nurse Practitioner Cost- Effectiveness.
*This is not an exhaustive list of references for these claims.
Get Involved
Your Voice, Your Advocacy.
Be Part of the Movement
Whether you’re an NPAA member, a healthcare professional, or an Albertan who believes in better access to care — you can make a meaningful difference.
There are many ways to get involved:
- Advocate for legislative change
- Connect with your MLA
- Learn from real patient and provider stories
- Share your own testimonial
- Help strengthen the visibility and impact of Nurse Practitioners across Alberta
Advocate With Us
Your voice is powerful — and urgently needed.
Current legislation limits Nurse Practitioner scope and restricts access to essential primary care. With over 700,000 Albertans without a primary care provider, change cannot wait.
Meeting with your MLA or sending a letter helps government understand the real impact NPs have on Albertans’ health and your community.
Take action today. Make your voice heard.
Your perspective can help shape decisions that impact care across Alberta.
Advocacy in Action: Expanding Access
The Nurse Practitioner Association of Alberta (NPAA) has championed system-level change for over a decade — advocating for Nurse Practitioners to have direct funding models and the ability to open their own clinics.
This work led to the launch of the NP Primary Care Program (NPPCP) in 2024, a milestone that allows NPs to operate independent, publicly funded primary care clinics and expand access to more than 700,000 Albertans who currently lack a primary care provider.
NP FACTS
Understanding NP Practice and Impact in Canada
Nurse Practitioner Association of Canada. (2025). Nurse Practitioners in Canada: Making a difference in your health [Infographic].