What is the Nurse Practitioners’ Association of Nova Scotia (NPANS)?

The Nurse Practitioners’ Association of Nova Scotia (NPANS) is a voluntary, non-profit association that represents the interests of Nurse Practitioners (NPs) in Nova Scotia. NPANS enhances the health of Nova Scotians through the advocacy, support and development of the Nurse Practitioner role, ensuring they are empowered to practice to their full scope.

The future looks promising for nurse practitioners in Nova Scotia. As healthcare demands grow, NPs are well-positioned to help meet those needs. They can play an even bigger role in expanding access to care and addressing healthcare gaps. NPANS exists to highlight these opportunities for NPs and advocate for policies that allow NPs to work to their full scope of practice.

Appropriately leveraging NPs and supporting their success is crucial to addressing healthcare shortages and recruiting new NPs to the province.

We need more people to understand how nurse practitioners can help support positive health outcomes in Nova Scotia. NPANS is committed to educating the public and government on the role and finding creative ways to attract and retain NPs.

For NPs, joining NPANS isn’t just about professional development, it’s about being part of a movement.

What does NPANS do?

NPANS works on several fronts to strengthen the role of NPs in Nova Scotia.

  • Advocacy: NPANS advocates for legislation, policies, and funding models that allow NPs to work to their full scope of practice – from prescribing medications to leading primary care teams.
  • Education and Awareness: NPANS promotes public and professional understanding of what NPs do, helping communities, policymakers, and employers see the value of integrating NPs into more aspects of care.
  • Support and Networking: NPANS provide a professional home for NPs to connect, grow, and lead. Through conferences, resources, and member initiatives, NPANS empowers NPs to stay informed, engaged, and supported.
  • Collaboration: NPANS partners with regulatory bodies, government agencies, academic institutions, and healthcare organizations to shape the future of nursing and primary care in the province.

How does NPANS benefit its members?

  • A Collective Voice: NPANS gives NPs political and professional representation where it matters – from government consultations to healthcare planning
  • Professional Resources: Members gain access to the latest policy updates, regulatory changes, best practices, and networking
  • A Supportive Community: Whether you’re newly licensed or a seasoned NP, being part of a supportive peer network helps you grow and
  • Leadership and Influence: NPANS provides opportunities for NPs to lead initiatives, join committees, and shape the future of healthcare in Nova Scotia.

What is NPANS advocating for?

  • Raising NPs’ Profile Partnering with the provincial government to actively promote the role of NPs within the healthcare system, encouraging more patients to seek care from NPs and reducing demand on the care
  • Inclusion in Healthcare Discussions: NPANS seeks to be included in healthcare policy discussions and decision-making processes, promoting a collaborative approach to solving healthcare access
  • Policy Changes for Role Expansion: Support policy changes that will allow NPs to have an expanded role across various healthcare Allowing NPs to work to their full scope of practice.
  • Implementation of an Alternative Billing Model: NPANS believes the provincial government should adopt the recommendations of the Canada Health Act to allow NPs to bill for primary care This is a crucial step for attracting and retaining NPs in Nova Scotia, directly removing more Nova Scotians from the care registry.
  • Funding Support and Policy Mandates: NPANS requests funding initiatives to support NP attraction and This will ensure NPANS can advocate effectively and strengthen the NP workforce, leading to better healthcare access and outcomes.

Nurse Practitioners are essential to the future of healthcare in Nova Scotia. If we want a healthcare system that is accessible, sustainable, and centered on people’s needs, we need to support and empower NPs to work at the top of their training.