We recognize the critical role that nurse practitioners (NPs) play in our health-care system and celebrate our NP members during Nurse Practitioner Week, November 9-15. 

NP Week is held annually to celebrate the incredible work NPs do and their contributions to our health-care system, especially their role in delivering high-quality, patient-centered care. It is also an opportunity to educate policy-makers on the need to harness the full potential of NPs to improve timely access to health care for all Canadians. 

NPs receive extended education and provide comprehensive primary care including the ability to assess, diagnose, prescribe medications, monitor, and educate their patients on managing chronic illness and a host of other issues. In a health-care system struggling with a lack of primary care providers and health-care services, it is more important than ever that we find ways to improve working conditions to retain and attract NPs. 

ONA has advocated in support of expanding NP’s scope of practice, which would allow NPs to further provide high quality, safe client and patient care in a timely manner, thus improving outcomes. We have made submissions to the government to support allowing NPs to order and apply a defibrillator, order and apply cardiac pacemaker therapy, order and perform electrocoagulation as well as allowing NPs to certify death in all circumstances in order to improve the end-of-life experience for families after the death of a loved one.  

ONA continues to advocate to expand publicly funded access to NPs in primary health care and in public hospitals, as well as fighting for better compensation to address retention issues. 

To join the online conversation this NP Week, check out #NPWeek2025 on Facebook and Instagram. Be sure to use the hashtag when you share information, resources or stories with your online community.