As an autonomous health professional with advanced education, you provide essential health services grounded in professional, ethical, and legal standards.  Nurse Practitioner (NP) competencies reflect advanced nursing practice by building and expanding upon the competencies of a registered nurse.

You function as a member of a multidisciplinary team in the provision of appropriate sexual health services, and are accountable to the Senior Nurse Practitioner, and to the College of Nurses of Ontario for NP practice issues.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Completion of 4 year university degree in Nursing (BScN)

Completion of a certificate demonstrating “Primary Health Care Nurse Practitioner” from an approved University

Minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible experience in public/community health clinic, including in-depth  of sexual health and working with populations at risk

CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENCES

KNOWLEDGE

• Advanced nursing practice including, clinical assessment and diagnosis related to contraception and sexually transmitted infections in particular
• Requires knowledge and experience to counsel individuals on any sexual health issues
• Current contraceptive methods and appropriate prescribing of contraceptives
• Current therapeutics and interactions
• The Health Protection and Promotion Act regulations pertaining to sexually transmitted and blood born infections and other related guidelines
• Appropriate counselling, re:  sexuality, healthy sexual relationships, safer sex practices, contraception, pregnancy options and harm reduciton
• Community health care resources and referral physicians
• Sexual health issues and programs
• Planning and evaluation methodologies
• Current principles and practices of public health theory and practice including research principles
• Knowledge of applicable health and safety legislation, including the rights and duties of workers.

COMPETENCIES, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team within the stated scope of practice
• Communicate effectively interpersonally, orally and in writing with management, staff and the public
• Multi-task and manage changing priorities and emergency situations
• Counsel clients on a variety of issues including sexuality in general, healthy sexuality relationships, safer sex practices, contraception, pregnancy options
• Conduct advanced assessment, examination and treatment skills
• Analyze data, write reports, prepare briefings, make recommendations
• Mentor, supervise and evaluate students
• Excellent organization and time management skills
• Leadership skills for chairing meetings, leading projects, providing functional direction to other nursing professionals
• Use word processing and database software
• Thorough knowledge and comfort dealing with and discussing sexual health issues with clients and other health practitioners
• Able to work with clients from a variety of cultural, socio-economic and sexuality backgrounds
• Open, personable, flexible in approach, non-judgmental, able to establish rapport and maintain confidentiality
• Strong commitment to public health, role model, advocate as required