Cambrian College to train nurses so they can write prescriptions

Cambrian College in Sudbury, Ont. is one of seven colleges in the province to offer training for registered nurses to prescribe some medications.

Cambrian College in Sudbury, Ont. is one of seven colleges in the province to offer training for registered nurses to prescribe some medications.

Starting this year, registered nurses in Ontario are able to prescribe a small number of medications once they've received the proper training.

"By making changes to allow qualified registered nurses to provide more care and administer the medications they prescribe, people will have more convenient access to safe care close to home, while helping to further reduce wait times at our community clinics and hospitals," Ontario Health Minister Sylvia Jones said when the change was announced in November.

Nurses who complete the online program, and a 150-hour placement, will be able to prescribe medications related to vaccination and immunization, birth control, travel health, smoking cessation, allergic reactions and topical wound care.

Janice Clarke, Cambrian's vice-president of academics, said working nurses with 3,900 hours of practice – about two years working full-time – who are in good standing with the College of Nurses of Ontario, will qualify for the training.