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Family Health Team
Optimizing the Role of the Family Practice Registered Nurse
A HealthForceOntario funded project through the Optimizing Use of Health Providers’ Competencies Fund 2008/09
A research and development project by the Toronto Western Family Health Team at University Health Network.
This webpage describes the primary research to date on the role of the Family Practice Registered Nurse (FP-RN) in Ontario. Based on the findings from interviews, focus groups, and a modified Delphi panel validation process, a competency framework for FP-RNs in Ontario was developed to serve as a stepping stone for clarifying this very important role in primary healthcare.
As a result of this research, there has been greater acknowledgement of the contributions and expertise of the family practice registered nurse as well as the need to celebrate and profile this role. Formal recognition of family practice nursing as a separate and unique field is being considered among key affiliated stakeholders. In addition, a network of stakeholders from nursing organizations has been established to further develop the competency framework that emerged from this research. Finally, various tools are concurrently emerging, including our documentary vignettes, to profile, highlight, and celebrate family practice nursing in primary care.
