Continuing care nurses in N.S. to prescribe medications under new pilot program

A pilot project aims to give seniors the care they need – faster, with nurses who can prescribe for common ailments.

The Nova Scotia government says a group of continuing care nurses in the province are training to prescribe medications under a new pilot program.

The 13 nurses completed Dalhousie University’s certificate in the school’s registered nurse prescribing program in December.

A second group of continuing care nurses started the program early last month and a third will start in the fall.

The province says it is covering the full cost of tuition for the nurses to complete the training through the pilot.

The goal of the program is to help seniors in long-term care facilities and at home get access to more care faster.

The graduating nurses can prescribe medications for common ailments and conditions, such as urinary tract infections, nausea and dermatitis, and also renew prescriptions.

The recent graduates work at the following long-term care homes in addition to VON in Cape Breton:

- the Cove Guest Home, Sydney

- Harbourstone Enhanced Care, Sydney River

- Maplestone Enhanced Care, Halifax

- Northwood, Bedford campus

- Northwood, Halifax campus

- Parkstone Enhanced Care, Clayton Park

- Shoreham Village, Chester

“Since starting this work in early January, I’ve prescribed medications for minor and common ailments, such as eye drops, creams and other treatments, about six to 10 times a week,” said Allana Bowles, a registered nurse prescriber at the Cove Guest Home.

“Using my new skills to prescribe medications for minor and common ailments allows our physician to focus on other care, providing all residents with faster access to care.”

The graduating nurses will work with either a nurse practitioner or physician for support when needed.

The province says it is spending $400,000 on the program.

“By supporting nurses to work to an expanded scope of practice, more seniors are getting the care and treatment they need faster, where they live, whether it is in a long-term care facility or in their own home. It will also help reduce trips to emergency rooms for conditions that often affect seniors,” said Minister of Seniors and Long-Term Care Barbara Adams in a provincial news release.

“This is an exciting step forward for the highly skilled nurses working in continuing care.”

For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page