The University of Regina is home to a new nurse practitioner-led student wellness centre. Officially opened in October, the centre is billed as the first of its kind at a Canadian university. On any given day there is one nurse practitioner at the clinic to provide a range of services to students, said Maureen Klenk, associate dean of student wellness for the faculty of nursing.
These services include: interpreting diagnostic tests, monitoring lab work, prescribing drugs, renewing prescriptions, performing minor surgical procedures and providing referrals to specialists. They will also assist patients with chronic diseases such as diabetes, asthma and high blood pressure.
“The student wellness centre really is a unique feature, and it speaks to how the U of R believes and values providing service while creating a place of connection for our students,” said Cheryl Pollard, dean of the faculty of nursing. “We’re here to serve our student population. We’re creating a home. We’re creating a space where people can thrive, whether that’s through creating a healing space or whether that’s helping them achieve their academic dreams. The U of R really has some powerful demonstrations of that commitment, and the Student Wellness Centre is one of them.”
A Nurse practitioner on campus has been happening at the University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC) since pre 2007. It is a great model!