The healthcare system is facing a crisis, and it's not just about COVID-19. There's a silent shortage of primary care providers, and it's affecting communities everywhere. But here's the silver lining: nurse practitioners (NPs) like Lauren Beeson are stepping up to fill this critical gap, and their role is evolving faster than ever. Could this be the career of the future?
Lauren Beeson, a nurse practitioner at the Group Health Centre’s Same Day Clinic, is on the front lines of this transformation. With a calm demeanor and a wealth of experience, she’s part of a growing wave of NPs making a significant impact across Ontario. “I love my job,” Beeson shares. “Being able to help people in the moment—like someone who’s been suffering from a persistent cough for weeks and has tried everything at home—that’s what makes it rewarding. I can provide relief when they need it most.”
But here’s where it gets interesting: NPs haven’t always had the autonomy they enjoy today. Historically, their scope was limited, with restrictions on prescribing medications or ordering tests. “When I became an NP in 2019, my colleagues told me stories about how their capabilities were severely constrained,” Beeson explains. “Now, we can diagnose, treat, prescribe, order imaging like X-rays and MRIs, and even refer patients to specialists. It’s a game-changer.”
Of course, there are still a few boundaries—certain heart tests and government forms remain off-limits—but the progress is undeniable. “The scope of what we can do is extensive,” Beeson adds. “It’s a far cry from where we started.”
A Sault Ste. Marie native, Beeson’s journey began at Sault College, where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing. After working as a registered nurse in Orillia and Elliot Lake, she returned to her hometown with a clear vision: to expand her skills and make a greater impact. In 2016, she began her NP training through a hybrid program at Laurentian University, combining online and in-person learning. By 2019, she was a certified NP, and since July 2020, she’s been a cornerstone of GHC’s Same Day Clinic.
And this is the part most people miss: NPs aren’t just a temporary fix for the primary care shortage—they’re a long-term solution. With approximately 3,750 NPs in Ontario and a ‘very good’ employment outlook for 2025-2027, their role is only set to grow. “Five years ago, NP jobs were hard to come by,” Beeson recalls. “Now, they’re everywhere.”
But is this enough? Here’s the controversial part: While NPs are invaluable, they’re not the sole answer to the healthcare crisis. “We’re part of the solution, absolutely,” Beeson says. “But the difference between an NP and a physician lies in our training. We bring both NP education and bedside nursing experience to the table, which is a huge advantage.”
For Beeson, being an NP is more than a job—it’s a calling. “If you’re a registered nurse considering this path, it’s a fantastic choice,” she advises. “Whether you’re looking for a lifestyle change, have young children, or want to avoid shift work, this career offers flexibility and fulfillment.”
Her days at the Same Day Clinic are anything but monotonous. “I see everything from viral illnesses to newborn weight checks, injured knees, and mental health concerns,” she explains. “It’s mostly episodic care—I provide immediate solutions, and patients follow up with their family doctors for chronic issues. Every day is different, and you’re always learning.”
So, is the nurse practitioner role the career of the future? Beeson is convinced. “Absolutely, 100%,” she says. “It’s dynamic, impactful, and in high demand. If you’re passionate about caring for people, this is the path to take.”
But what do you think? Is the NP role the solution to the primary care crisis, or is there more to the story? Do you see this as the career of the future, or are there challenges we’re overlooking? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s start a conversation!
