Nurse practitioner grads share how they’re helping to improve access to primary care in Alberta with new independent practices
In April 2024, the Government of Alberta launched a new funding model that allowed nurse practitioners to set up their own clinics, or work within an existing one, and get paid directly by the government.
The move was part of a larger strategy to address Alberta’s strained health-care system. It’s estimated that between 700,000 to 800,000 Albertans do not have a primary care provider. The nurse practitioner funding model is expected to improve primary care access for more than 50,000 Albertans.
Nurse practitioners (NP) are experienced registered nurses with graduate education and advanced clinical practice. They can diagnose, prescribe, order and interpret tests, perform procedures, and manage overall patient care.
Since the new model was announced, there has been a surge of interest—both among nurse practitioners interested in launching their own clinics, and among Albertans seeking a primary care provider. As of November 2024, the province had received more than 120 expressions of interest from nurse practitioners, with 67 applications and 56 approvals.
“This funding model is what many nurse practitioners have wanted for decades: recognition of the work that NPs do in primary care,” said Lincoln Taylor (Master of Nursing – Nurse Practitioner ’14).
Fulfilling a dream to run a nurse practitioner clinic
Taylor is one of three Athabasca University nurse practitioner graduates who were among the first to sign up for the program. Last fall, he joined a new nurse practitioner clinic in St. Albert founded by fellow AU grad Kayla Cheung (Master of Nursing – Nurse Practitioner ’22).
Prior to becoming a nurse practitioner, Taylor had worked as a registered nurse in a variety of in-patients settings. That’s when he realized primary care was where he felt he belonged—he loved working in his community, building relationships, and helping people in some of the best and worst times of their lives.
Taylor came to AU to pursue a master’s degree so he could continue to live and work in his home community of St. Albert, where he’s been based for 20 years. AU educates more nurse practitioners than anywhere else in Canada.
When the funding model was announced, Taylor jumped at the chance to take part in the program.
“This program is exactly what I have wanted—to be a trailblazer for future nurse practitioners in Alberta, and the opportunity to build my own panel of patients in my community,” he said.
Being part of patient’s long-term health
Studies show that people without a primary care provider tend to experience poorer health outcomes and increased rates of preventable diseases.
Lucie Lapierre (Master of Nursing – Nurse Practitioner ’20) said one of the appeals of working independently in primary care is being a part of a patient’s long-term health. Lapierre joined a medical clinic in Calgary and began accepting her own patients after being approved in the program.
“I love getting to know people and feeling like I can follow through on what’s happening, not just order a test and never know what happens after," she said. “It just made sense for me to launch my primary care practice.”
‘People were excited for us to open’
Cheung became one of Alberta’s first nurse practitioners to open their own clinic when she launched Harmony Family Health Clinic in St. Albert in September 2024.
The process of getting the clinic off the ground “was certainly a labour of love,” said Cheung. Her days were spent working through all the details—from speaking with lawyers, the bank, nursing associations, contractors, commercial property management companies, and realtors to ensure she was prepared for any situation that could arise.
“I can imagine it would have been a much simpler process if I was joining an established clinic.”
All that hard work has paid off. Since opening, demand from the community has been so strong that she has already had to stop accepting new patients. Part of the funding model requires nurse practitioners to carry a roster of at least 900 patients.
“There has been an overwhelmingly positive response from the community—people were excited for us to open and continue to appreciate what we have to offer,” said Cheung. “We have also been able to educate the public about what an NP is and what we can offer.”
Removing barriers to primary care
It’s been a similar experience for Taylor. He said he’s had patients who have been looking for a family physician or other primary care provider for years; some have been turned away at other clinics. So, it’s been satisfying for him to provide top quality care to meet the demand.
“Albertans need access to primary care, someone they can rely on for their ongoing health issues. It has been well established in research that having a regular primary care provider has a positive effect on people's ongoing health—people are healthier if they have someone they can see on a regular basis and build a relationship with and that is what we are all trying to do through this program, added Taylor.
Related: What do nurse practitioner-led clincs mean for health care in Alberta?
Growth for NP practice
While the provincial funding program is still in its infancy, and the three AU grads say some processes could be streamlined, all agree that the program has been good for Albertans and hope to see it expand rapidly.
“Although the program is new and there are some details to be refined, I think this is a definite positive step in helping Albertans access primary care and nurse practitioners are more than ready to accept this role and responsibility," said Taylor.
Many of their colleagues are waiting to see how the program evolves before they consider joining. More public awareness is also key for the expansion of nurse practitioner-led clinics, as many Albertans might not understand what NPs can offer.
"Though awareness needs to continue to grow, feedback from patients who've seen a nurse practitioner is always positive," said Dr. Jennifer Knopp-Shiota, professor and program director of AU’s Master of Nursing – Nurse Practitioner program.
"Nurse practitioner clinics can augment and provide options for patients," she said.