Nurse Practitioner Spotlight: Carole Cameron

A Nurse Practitioner (NP) is a nurse with advanced university education who works both independently and in collaboration with other health professionals to provide patients and families with quality health care services. Ontario has more than 2,000 nurse practitioners who work in a diverse range of community and hospital settings across the province.

We asked a few members of the NP team at TBRHSC to share thoughts about their role and experience. This week, we’re featuring Carole Cameron, a Nurse Practitioner with the Regional Bariatric Care Centre.

Clinical Program:

Regional Bariatric Care Centre

Education/Training:

Nurse Practitioner Certificate – Ontario Primary Health Care Nurse Practitioner Program; Lakehead University, 2010-2012; Bachelor of Science Nursing Degree, Lakehead University, 2002-2004;The Ottawa Hospital Weight Management Clinic, May 2015; Advanced Training in Eating Disorders Treatment, May 2015; 4th Canadian Obesity Summit, April 2015; North West LHIN Annual Diabetes Forum, March 2015

Why did you decide to become a Nurse Practitioner?

I wanted to further enhance my education and skills as a Registered Nurse and open the door for new and challenging employment opportunities which would allow me to provide high-quality healthcare to individuals within my community.

Tell us about your role with the Regional Bariatric Care Centre.

I am the full time Nurse Practitioner at the Regional Bariatric Care Centre. I work alongside a diverse interdisciplinary bariatric team to provide client-centered non-surgical options to patients working to achieve their health and weight management goals through behavioural change, healthy eating and physical activity.

What is the most challenging part of your profession?

There are day-to-day challenges of being a Nurse Practitioner. You need to be able to cope with new and growing demands, remain flexible and adapt to new situations/challenges in order to ensure optimal health care delivery to your clientele.

What is the most rewarding aspect of your profession?

Being able to work at a Bariatric Centre of Excellence with a team of experts to improve the health of our clients and to be able to see them attain their weight management goals and improve upon their overall health.

Do you have advice for those considering a career as a Nurse Practitioner?

Ensure that you have a good clinical nursing background before applying for one of the NP programs. Make sure it is a good time in your life to make the commitment to pursue your studies. Be proactive; ask lots of questions; ensure good learning opportunities with your clinical placements. Study hard. Become involved with other students, colleagues, preceptors, and educators. Keep learning and continue your education. Find an area of interest that excites you and a supportive inter-professional care team.