Nurse Practitioner Paula Carere takes her role as trailblazer quite seriously. At the break of dawn, during one of the coldest winters on record, you’ll frequently find her on her cross-country skis and ready to hit the trails.
Paula shows the same discipline and determination in her profession. Since 1998 – the year the legislation was passed creating the role – she’s played a pivotal role integrating the Nurse Practitioner role into the fabric of Ontario’s health system and advocating for expanded access to Nurse-Practitioner-led clinics. Not a small feat. Today, Ontario has 25 NPLCs, one of which is in Waterloo where Paula serves as clinical director.
Because of her efforts integrating Nurse Practitioners into Ontario’s health system, Paula recently received one of the most prestigious awards given by the Nurse Practitioners Association of Ontario (NPAO), the Jerry Gerow Leadership Award[external link], named in honour one of the professions pioneers.
“Jerry wanted to make sure the health system could take full advantage of the Nurse Practitioner position,” says Paula. “She was fierce advocate who made a real difference. So it was such an honour to receive the award from her in person.”
For complete profile on Paula:Â http://aohc.org/Paula-Carere
