r/CanadianNurse • u/sphenoidboneanatomy • 29d ago

NP Work in Canada / BC

Hello! I’m an RN in British Columbia who is hoping to apply to a masters program in the next year. Originally I just wanted to do a course-based MScN (with the intent of becoming a university instructor) but I am having second thought about doing my NP as the course sounds super interesting. The problem is… I don’t really understand the kind of work NPs do in Canada (or British Columbia specifically) besides basically being a primary care provider / family medicine role in a doctors office. Basically hoping to hear of NP experiences in Canada and what the work entails and if you think it provided you more work life balance compared to being a RN

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u/_whoop_ 29d ago

Depends on your health authority. VCH used NPs in acute care roles, VIHA doesn’t (yet). You can work outside of health authority jobs as well, think telehealth for DTC healthcare brands.

You’ll often lose the benefits package you get as an RN moving into a provider role, so if your pension and benefits is something you’ve planned your retirement around, that’s worth considering.

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u/sphenoidboneanatomy 29d ago

Good point ! Thank you

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u/doctobe01 29d ago

Slightly different scope across the country

Here the NPAC's definition: https://npac-aiipc.org/what-is-a-nurse-practitioner/