Nurses

Rural Nurse Specialists are the main health providers in rural West Coast communities. These are highly experienced nurses trained to deal with most illnesses, injuries and health conditions.

Rural Nurse Specialists provide urgent care 24 hours a day and are trained to respond to medical emergencies. If your local nurse is on leave, a nurse from a nearby clinic will take your phone call.

Nurse practitioners are highly-trained nurses who can independently provide care and treatment for people of all ages.  They provide a similar service to a doctor. 

Nurse practitioners work closely with doctors and other members of the health care team to help you get the care you need.

Nurse practitioners can:

• refer you for imaging and x-rays
• order blood tests
• decide on treatments based on test results
• refer you to specialist services
• prescribe medication.