Which type of nurse is allowed to prescribe medication and order diagnostic tests?

The correct answer is that a Nurse Practitioner or Registered Nurse with Additional Authorized Practice is allowed to prescribe medication and order diagnostic tests. Nurse Practitioners (NPs) in Saskatchewan have advanced education and training that enable them to take on roles beyond those of a regular Registered Nurse (RN). NPs are fully qualified to assess patients, diagnose health conditions, and implement treatment plans, which include prescribing medications and ordering tests.

In Saskatchewan, Nurse Practitioners have a defined scope of practice that is regulated and recognized by the relevant nursing regulatory body, allowing them greater autonomy in patient care. This includes the ability to perform clinical assessments and make decisions regarding the healthcare needs of their patients, which ensures that they have the authority necessary to manage a variety of health conditions effectively.

Registered Nurses without additional practice, Licensed Practical Nurses, and Emergency Room Nurses do not have the authority to prescribe medications on their own or order diagnostic tests. Their roles focus more on direct patient care and support within the scope of practice that has been established for their specific qualifications. This distinction is critical in the healthcare system to ensure that patients receive appropriate care from professionals who are qualified to make such clinical decisions.