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What Does a Nurse Practitioner Do?

Female caregiver speaking with an older woman during a home healthcare visit.

Nurse Practitioners (NPs) play a central role in keeping people healthy and caring for them when they are ill. NPs are nurses with advanced training, expertise, and an expanded scope of practice. They work in several settings, such as primary care, hospitals, long-term care, home care, public health, and other sectors. They are an integral part of the health care team and function similarly to a family doctor. They can assess health concerns, diagnose illnesses, order and interpret diagnostic tests, prescribe medications, and provide ongoing care.

At Rexdale Community Health Centre, nurse practitioners are part of a team that helps individuals and families manage their health and access the care they need.

How a Nurse Practitioner Can Help

A nurse practitioner can provide care for a wide range of health needs, including:

  • Cold, flu, or infection-related symptoms
  • Managing ongoing conditions such as diabetes, asthma, and high blood pressure
  • Medication reviews and prescription management
  • Ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests
  • Mental health concerns
  • Preventive health care
  • Health screenings and immunizations
  • Follow-up care after tests, specialist consultations, or hospital visits

Whether you have a new concern, need ongoing care, or have questions about your health, a nurse practitioner can assess your condition, recommend appropriate treatment, and help you understand your next steps.

Working With the Care Team

At Rexdale CHC, Nurse Practitioners are part of a collaborative care team that includes family physicians, registered nurses, and other health care professionals. Together, they provide coordinated care based on your individual health needs. Our Nurse Practitioners, Physicians, Nurses, and Allied Health Professionals work closely together to ensure you receive high-quality, coordinated care.

While you may have a designated primary care provider, there may be times when you see another member of the Primary Care team, such as a Physician or another Nurse Practitioner. This approach helps improve access to care, reduces wait times, and ensures that your health needs are addressed in a timely manner.

Our providers share information, consult with one another, and work together to support your care. This means that even if you see a different provider, you can still benefit from a coordinated team that is familiar with your health history and committed to helping you achieve your health goals.

If you’re unsure whether a nurse practitioner is the right provider for your health concern, our team can help guide you to the most appropriate care.

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