There are many benefits that can be realized when registered nurses work in primary care settings such as family practices and walk-in clinics.
When RNs work in primary care settings, they support individuals and communities in managing their own health. RNs care for those who are ill and have an increasing role helping clients manage chronic diseases. Registered nurses are part of a collaborative team of health-care professionals and support staff. They are one of the everyday entry points to this health-promotion, disease prevention and illness-care system.
For Patients and Families
- Improved, timely access to primary care
- More time with a health professional for education, guidance and counselling
- Enhanced chronic disease management
- Comprehensive preventive health maintenance screening
- Support and promotion of healthy lifestyle behaviours
- Access to two or more health-care providers with complementary strengths and perspectives
- Comprehensive health records
For Primary Care Physicians
- Reassurance that patients are receiving more screening and preventive care along with enhanced chronic disease management
- Improved access for patients
- Support with complex and time-consuming patients
- Peer support
- Another health-care professional to problem solve with through collaborative teamwork
- Enhanced work-life satisfaction
For Registered Nurses
- High career satisfaction due to greater independence, quality of team interactions and ability to achieve work-life balance
- More time for patient education, support, advocacy and counselling
- A challenging position with a wide variety of patient types and health problems
- Satisfaction in knowing that care is enhanced as a result of a collaborative team effort
- An opportunity to constantly learn and advance nursing practice
- In family practice settings, an opportunity to grow with individuals and families and provide them with meaningful care across their lifespans.
For the Health Care System
- Improved and more timely access to primary care
- More health care delivered in a cost-effective manner
- Improved patient outcomes, which decreases costs to the health system in the future
- Potentially reduced emergency department visits and hospital admissions
- Improved screening, early detection and diagnosis