Day in the Life – NPs Caring for Seniors

November 16, 2014

Michelle Clifford-Middel (NP-PHC, MN) and Mary Ellen Miller (NP-PHC, MN)

Our names are Michelle Clifford-Middel and Mary Ellen Miller, together we provide Nurse Practitioner services to seniors who live in long-term care facilities and require urgent health care services to prevent a trip to our emergency department or a hospital admission to the Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre (RVRHC) in the City of Barrie, Ontario.   

We are part of a Ministry of Health of Health and Long-Term Care (MOHLTC) -North Simcoe Muskoka Local Health Integration Network (NSMLHIN) funded program called the Nurse Practitioner Long-Term Care Outreach (NLOT) program (part of the Aging at Home Strategy 2009). The demand for our services has grown by 37% in the past three months. We frequently diagnosis and treat complex geriatric syndromes including wounds/skin conditions, acute/chronic pain, poly-pharmacy (medication) issues, constipation, respiratory disease and infections. We most often treat health issues with oral and topical medication as well as, inter-venous therapies. 

We are fortunate to work with a large professional team. We consult, refer and build capacity based on the client’s needs. Our inter professional team most often includes Registered Practical Nurses, Registered Nurses, Physicians, Registered Dietitians, Rehabilitation and Social Work professionals. 

We work hard to support seniors in family/power of attorney consultation, care coordination and communications across agencies to ensure appropriate care. Our most notable health system achievement is long-term care facility to emergency department transfer aversion for 99% of all seniors referred to NLOT. 

Together we offer 59 years of advanced practice nursing expertise. We offer leadership in nurse practitioner and team based health service projects. Expertise in writing successful requests for funding, conducting health service needs assessments, developing and evaluating innovative health services. 

We look forward to supporting new Nurse Practitioner Led Programs for Seniors, building on past success, through the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care recently announced 73 new nurse practitioners (March 3, 2014) to enhance services for Long-Term Care Residents ($14M 2014-2017)!