Pilot program sees registered nurses prescribing meds at care homes

CITYnews halifax / By Natasha O’Neill

Seniors at some long-term care facilities are getting help faster for common ailments after the province funded the training for nurses to prescribe medication.

The pilot project is running in several homes across Nova Scotia and saw 13 nurses in continuing care complete a Dalhousie University Certificate in the registered nurse prescribing program in December. A second group of nurses started the course in January and another cohort is expected to start in the fall.

The tuition of the program is covered by the province for nurses working in continuing care.

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“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,” Barbara Adams, Minister of Seniors and Long-Term Care, said in a press release. “This is an exciting step forward for the highly skilled nurses working in continuing care.”

Urinary tract infections, nausea and dermatitis are some of the ailments graduates can prescribe medication for. Prescription renewal is another thing they can help with.

Recent graduates work at:

• 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
• VON, Cape Breton

Allana Bowles, registered nurse prescriber, Cove Guest Home in Sydney, said she was grateful to have the opportunity to further her education.

“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,” she said. “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.”

Allana Bowles, registered nurse prescriber (left), reviews care information with The Cove Guest Home Administrator Cheryl Deveaux. (Communications Nova Scotia)