National Nurse Practitioner Week 2026

From Nov. 8 to Nov. 14, National Nurse Practitioner (NP) Week provides an opportunity to acknowledge the contributions of NPs and the important role they play in Alberta’s health-care system. Follow our social media channels as we feature information about NP practice and our role as a regulator throughout the week.

The CRNA is appreciative of the expertise, leadership and compassionate care NPs bring to patients, families and communities across the province.

A Message from the CRNA’s Council Chair

On behalf of the CRNA’s Council, we thank nurse practitioners (NPs) for their continued commitment to safe, competent and ethical care. We are grateful for the dedication of NPs to the health and well-being of patients across the province.

NPs in Alberta

NPs have a broad, autonomous and independent scope of practice, and are essential members of the interdisciplinary team and within independent practice.

NPs begin as registered nurses (RNs) and then advance through specialized education and clinical training, enabling them to practise autonomously. NPs are able to:

• Perform physical exams
• Diagnose and treat illnesses
• Prescribe medications
• Order and interpret diagnostic tests
• Admit and discharge patients
• Provide referrals
• Perform medical procedures

This year, we introduced an updated scope of practice for NPs and successfully transitioned to a new NP practice permit (all ages all settings) while having a separate neonatal NP permit. This milestone supports greater alignment of NP regulation across Canada.