New program directed at streamlining patient service
LITTLE CURRENT—Registered Nurse (RN) Cyril Lee Turley of the Northeast Manitoulin Family Health Team (NMFHT) has broken new ground by becoming the first RN in Ontario credentialed to prescribe certain medications to patients.
“It’s exciting and a pioneering adventure,” stated Mr. Turley when contacted by The Expositor last week. He is the first RN in the province to receive the credentials after regulations were approved by the Ontario government late last year. Mr. Turley completed the brand-new online course at Georgian College.
Mr. Turley was quick to point out, “one of my colleagues here (at NMFHT), Terri Mousseau, is very close to doing the same, completing the same program through Georgian College.”
“Basically, we’re just expanding the scope we already had,” said Mr. Turley. “There are a few colleges/universities that are offering this program. After I completed the two-month online part of the program, focusing on the modules in the areas we can provide prescriptions, one of the doctors here (lead physician) Dr. Anne McDonald had to review 20 (prescription) scripts I had written.”
The list of medications RNs can prescribe include immunizations (any vaccines for prevention of bacterial and viral disease), contraception, travel health, topical wound care, smoking cessation, anesthetics, allergic reaction, over-the-counter medication (any drug or substance that may lawfully be purchased or acquired without a prescription and is available for self-selection in a pharmacy.
Mr. Turley said it is rewarding to be able to prescribe and help patients save time, have easier access to vaccines and certain medications they need in a timely way.
Georgian College launched the self-directed course Registered Nurse Prescribing Education: Safe and Ethical Practice in January. Georgian is one of four Ontario post-secondary institutions authorized by the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO) to provide this education.
Judy Miller, executive director at NMFHT said, “we’ve got on the map with Georgian College. Lee has been with us since September and the CNO extended the scope of the course, which is 65 hours on a variety of modules. RNs need to have a physician preceptor, in our case lead physician for our FHT is Dr. Anne McDonald who had to review the RN’s 20 prescription scripts.”
Ms. Miller pointed out documentation for the program came out in December and January and Georgian was the first college to offer the program. “I talked to the registered nurses and both Lee and Terri said they wanted to take this course. It will make it easier and more efficient for patients with improved access having the RNs deliver any of the treatments in the modules and to be able to prescribe medications.”
The new course was designed and developed by nurse practitioners with extensive knowledge and experience in prescribing to patients, registered nursing scope of practice and the CNO standards and guidelines.
“We are thrilled to offer this ground breaking new program aimed at enhancing local patient care by expanding the capabilities of registered nurses. This innovative course is a testament to Georgian’s enduring commitment to fostering excellence in nursing education and cultivating a strong nursing work force within a community,” said Kevin Weaver, president and CEO of Georgian College.
“I hope so,” Mr. Turley said as to whether other RNs will take the program being offered. “It’s great for patients.”
“Our government has been taking bold action to ensure more Ontarians can conveniently connect to the care they need, closer to home,” said Sylvia Jones, deputy premier and minister of health. “I’m delighted to see our innovative changes coming to life by congratulating Lee Turley as the first RN in Ontario authorized to prescribe medication, which will mean faster and easier access to care for Manitoulin Island families.”
“RN prescribing represents a forward leap in nursing practice, empowering RNs with the knowledge, skill and judgement to assess, diagnose and treat defined non-complex conditions,” said Silvie Crawford, executive director and CEO CNO. “CNO approved prescribing education programs like the one offered by Georgian College ensures that RNs obtain the competencies necessary to prescribe safely and competently.”
