Primary care is a popular topic in Alberta’s healthcare conversation. A lot of work has been done towards Modernizing Alberta’s Primary Care System (MAPS), an initiative by the Government of Alberta that many AAN members have been a part of. This month, we highlight one primary care clinic that is taking an approach many nurses have been calling for, for years–a primary care clinic that delivers care by nurses.
If every Albertan is going to have access to a primary care provider, we need to think and operate differently, and this may be one solution to the primary care provider shortage in Alberta.
The newly opened River Stone Nurse Practitioner Clinic has one goal: to link those without a family doctor to primary care providers. By using a model with a multidisciplinary team of NPs, RNs, and LPNs, not only do they work to full scope, they also offer comprehensive and collaborative care for their clients via a yearly paid membership.
A multi-disciplinary model was well established in the existing River Stone Wellness Centre, and in June 2023, the owners, with the assistance of 143 HealthCARE Consulting, opened their first NP Clinic to better meet the needs of clients who had voiced concerns about not having a primary care provider or being unable to access one in a timely manner.
The clinic’s team consists of NPs, LPNs, and medical office assistants who collaborate with the client to provide comprehensive primary care. NPs assess, diagnose, treat, order, and interpret laboratory and diagnostic tests and imaging, prescribe medications, make referrals to specialists, and manage overall care. LPNs are involved in assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation of nursing care in the areas of prevention, management of acute illness, and chronic disease. The combined skills and team approach make this model of care an invaluable resource for the clinic’s clients.
Being able to provide complete primary care is also a fulfilling experience for their nursing team. “I love working to my full scope. Being able to assist individuals to improve their health is so rewarding,” said Kayla Collier, LPN.
Carla Sparrow, NP, echoes this sentiment. “Being supported by River Stone’s leadership team to provide comprehensive care to our clients allows me to do what I love most: fully care for our clients, see them flourish, and achieve their health goals.”
As Florence Nightingale once said, “… never lose an opportunity of urging a practical beginning, however small, for it is wonderful how often in such matters the mustard-seed germinates and roots itself.” The nursing profession and those who believe in it and support it must press on to ensure high quality primary care is available to all who need it. Together, we must begin, allow for growth and nurturing, and the story will write itself.
To learn more about the River Stone NP Clinic, please contact [email protected].
