A specialized nurse practitioner (SNP) is a health care professional who can provide medical and nursing care.
Services offered
Since January 25, 2021, SNPs can provide several types of medical care, such as:
- diagnose diseases;
- prescribe diagnostic tests;
- use invasive or potentially harmful diagnostic techniques (e.g., skin biopsy, lumbar puncture, etc.);
- determine and prescribe medical treatment (e.g., physiotherapy, special diet);
- prescribe, administer or adjust medications and other substances;
- perform various procedures such as sutures, joint infiltration, etc.;
- provide pregnancy follow-up.
SNPs also practice activities reserved to nurses, for example:
- contribute to childbirth and provide postnatal follow-up;
- assess a person's physical and mental condition;
- provide follow-up for people who have certain health problems;
- treat wounds and skin conditions;
- perform invasive techniques (e.g., insert a urinary catheter or venous catheter);
- administer vaccines;
- assess a child 0 to 5 years of age who has signs of developmental delay in order to refer them, if necessary, to rehabilitation and adaptation services that meet their needs.
Specialties and types of clientele of specialized nurse practitioners
SNPs can intervene with various people.
Primary care
People of all ages who need community-based health care, including people with mental health problems. SNPs support these people in the management of chronic diseases (e.g., diabetes, hypertension, etc.) and in the treatment of common health problems (otitis, urinary tract infection, etc.). They can also provide pregnancy follow-up or accompany patients at the end of life.
Adult care
Adults with health problems who need specialized or ultraspecialized care, including mental health problems. SNPs accompany people with acute or chronic conditions (e.g., cardiology, nephrology, etc.).
Mental health
People of all ages who need community-based specialized or ultraspecialized care. SNPs support these people in the management of mental disorders (e.g., depression, anxiety, etc.).
Neonatology
Newborns who need specialized or ultraspecialized care. SNPs provide care to premature or term newborns who have health problems.
Pediatrics
People under the age of 18 who need specialized or ultraspecialized care, including for mental health problems. SNPs support children and teenagers in the management of acute or chronic problems (e.g., cystic fibrosis, asthma, etc.).
Places of practice
Depending on the care provided, SNPs may, for instance, practice in the following establishments:
- Integrated Health and Social Services Centre (CISSS) and Integrated University Health and Social Services Centre (CIUSSS)
- Family medicine group (FMG), university family medicine group (UFMG) and super clinic
- Hospital centre
- Outpatient clinics
- Specialized clinics
- Local community services centre (CLSC)
- Detention facility
- Home care
- Youth Protection Centre (DPJ)
- Residential and long-term care centre (CHSLD)
Useful websites
SNPs are members of the Ordre des infirmières et infirmiers du Québec and have a master’s degree and an advanced nursing degree.
The following sites provide more information on the training programs offered, the training required to become a specialized nurse practitioner and the skills required for the performance of an SNP’s duties.
Last update: December 13, 2022
