Implementing the Nurse Practitioner Lead Role in Acute Care: Supporting Leaders and Optimizing Role Utilization

Nurse practitioners (NPs) are essential to Canada's healthcare system, yet role implementation in acute care is often inconsistent. Complex organizational structures and unclear reporting lines can hinder NP's role clarity and utilization. The NP lead role addresses these challenges by interpreting relevant legislation, advocating for NPs and supporting full-scope practice. This paper outlines the development and implementation of the NP lead role at a large tertiary acute care hospital in Canada, highlighting its positive impact on role clarity, NP utilization and work-life, ultimately supporting both NP practice and leadership within complex healthcare environments.