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Nurse Practitioners

How you’ll benefit as an Interior Health Nurse Practitioner

Over 70 Nurse Practitioners (NP) work in a variety of health care settings within Interior Health, such as acute care (cardiac surgery, thoracic surgery, hospitalists), specialty clinics (diabetes, atrial fibrillation, renal), Long-Term care, medical assistance in dying (MAiD) and primary care. As varied as the practice sites are from urban to rural and remote, so too are the models of care from shared care, to collaborative practice, to solo practice, to inter-professional team based care.

Whether they are caring for the Frail Elderly in Long-Term Care, partnering in care with First Nations’ communities, providing Primary Care in a number of urban and rural settings, or supporting patients while in Hospital, all of IH’s NPs are united in their dedication to serving the everyday health care needs of clients. To be a successful NP at IH, you need to believe in a team approach to providing care while promoting health, preventing illness, and managing chronic conditions.

Role of a Nurse Practitioner

Learn about the role of a Nurse Practitioner, and what that means.

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Nurse Practitioners

Learn about the impact that a Nurse Practitioners bring to health-care systems.

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I recommend working for IH as an NP because of the tremendous support we receive from our Managers and Directors. As well, we have a Professional Practice and a Clinical Lead, both of whom are available for consultation and assistance in practice. Support and encouragement is available through our dynamic NP Community of Practice, which is the total collection of NPs throughout IH. We provide one another with answers, recommendations and suggestions on a variety of clinical topics.

-- Pamela Klassen, NP for IH in Kelowna, B.C.

The thing that struck me the most when I started working with an NP was just the sense of relief from shared responsibility. As a practitioner prior to working with an NP I was very isolated, almost lonely, working in a bit of a silo. I had relationships with other physicians and other care providers but not that kind of collaboration that exists in real-time in working with an NP.

-- Blair Stanley, IH Physician in Trail, B.C.

My role provides access to care that patients may not otherwise take part in, and I provide a broader perspective to the team. I can look at health issues beyond diabetes to help support patients in their health journey. I am able to refer them to Specialists and order diagnostic test if needed.

-- Kim Hayter, NP IH Diabetes Program, Kelowna, B.C.

My days are never boring, and I’m always looking things up, which is fantastic. I love the detective work of diagnosing a condition and the feeling of filling such a big need. It’s great!

-- Sandra Lachapelle, NP for IH in Williams Lake, B.C.

Role of a Nurse Practitioner

Nurse Practitioners are important members of the Interior Health team. Their goal is to provide quality care to people of all ages, families, groups and communities.
I find my role with families is a lot of providing information. Communication is huge with families because a lot of time they’re unsure about their family members care. I’m available to sit and meet with them to go over their care plan, to relieve any anxiety they have, and to be that go-between between the family and the staff to clarify what the family wants for care for their family member.

- Kathy Lepp, NP for IH in Vernon, BC

Scope of Practice

Provide comprehensive health assessments and perform check ups

Diagnose health conditions
Treat and manage acute and chronic illness
Treat and manage simple and complex health issues
Order and interpret screening and diagnostic tests
Order procedures
Prescribe treatment and medications
Refer clients to other healthcare professionals and specialists
Treat, transfer, and may discharge in-patients and community out-patients from hospitals
Provide counselling and education