Media Advisory - Nursing supply outpacing Canadian population growth

25% increase in nurse practitioners in one year

What: Regulated Nurses: Canadian Trends, 2006 to 2010

OTTAWA, Jan. 26, 2012 /CNW/ - From 2009 to 2010, the nursing workforce increased at almost twice the rate of the Canadian population, according to a report released today by the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI). During that period, the nursing supply increased by 2% while the population increased by 1.1%. In 2010, there were 354,910 regulated nurses working in Canada—an increase of 8.8% since 2006, when there were 326,170.

Regulated Nurses: Canadian Trends, 2006 to 2010 reveals supply, demographic and workforce trends for the country's largest group of health care professionals at national, provincial and health region levels. Three-quarters of this workforce are registered nurses (RNs), 23% are licensed practical nurses (LPNs) and 1.5% are registered psychiatric nurses (RPNs). RPNs are regulated separately in the four western provinces and, since 2009, in Yukon.

The number of nurse practitioners (NPs) employed in nursing has also increased. In 2010, there were 2,486 NPs—25% more than in 2009. NPs are RNs who have additional education and training, which grants them a broader scope of practice. NPs may order and interpret diagnostic tests; prescribe some pharmaceuticals, medical devices and other therapies; and perform certain procedures. NPs are licensed in all provinces and territories except Yukon.

When: January 26, 2012, at 3 p.m. (ET)

Where: www.cihi.ca