Assess
A complete clinical assessment: symptoms, medical history, medications, lifestyle habits, family history, physical examination when necessary and previous results.
Health education · Prevention and overall healthSaint‑Hyacinthe
Consultation with an NP: what does an NP do?
A nurse practitioner can assess your health, diagnose illnesses, prescribe tests and medications, determine treatment and follow up with you, according to their specialty class.
In Quebec, nurse practitioners, commonly called NPs, play an important role in access to care. A consultation with an NP can address many needs: a recent problem, a follow-up, a chronic illness, a health assessment or a preventive approach.
At Clinique IPS du Palais in Saint-Hyacinthe, NPs work in collaboration with the nurses, the clinic's other professionals and, when necessary, other professionals or medical specialists.
Understanding
What is an NP?
A nurse practitioner (NP) is a nurse who, after gaining experience, continues their university education by completing a master's degree in nursing and a graduate diploma in specialized studies (DESS).1
The Ordre des infirmières et infirmiers du Québec then issues the NP a specialist certificate, after they pass, among other requirements, the examination for their specialty class.3
The activities an NP can perform depend on their specialty class, the patients they care for and their area of expertise.2
Their role combines:
- advanced nursing expertise;
- a comprehensive assessment of the person;
- diagnostic activities;
- prescribing;
- treatment;
- prevention;
- clinical follow-up.
In practice
What can an NP do?
In Quebec, the law allows NPs to perform the following activities, among others, depending on their specialty class.2
Diagnose
Diagnose diseases, within the limits of their specialty class and area of expertise.
Order tests
Order diagnostic tests, for example an X-ray, an ultrasound or a blood sample.
Prescribe medications
Prescribe, administer or adjust medications and other substances.
Treat
Determine and prescribe medical treatments, and perform various procedures such as stitches or an injection into a joint.
Refer
Request a consultation with other professionals or specialist physicians when the situation requires it.
From your symptoms to assessment, diagnosis, treatment and follow-up, with the same professional.
Can an NP order blood tests and other tests?
Yes.
An NP can order the necessary diagnostic tests when they are indicated.1 Depending on your situation, this may include:
- blood tests;
- urine tests;
- cultures or samples;
- an X-ray;
- an ultrasound;
- an electrocardiogram;
- other diagnostic tests.
The NP then analyzes the results in the context of your clinical situation and determines the next steps.
At the Clinique IPS du Palais, many tests can be done directly at the clinic or coordinated with our partners.
Can an NP prescribe medications?
Yes.
When indicated, an NP can:1
- prescribe a medication;
- renew certain prescriptions;
- modify a treatment;
- adjust a dose;
- stop a medication;
- monitor the effectiveness and side effects of a treatment.
The decision to prescribe is always based on the clinical assessment, indications, contraindications, possible interactions and the person’s situation.
Can an NP prescribe a treatment?
Yes.
In addition to medications, the NP can determine and prescribe medical treatments within their scope of practice.2
Depending on their specialty and expertise, they can also perform certain procedures, such as stitches or an injection into a joint.1
Can an NP refer to a specialist?
Yes.
Depending on the situation, an NP can request a consultation with another health professional or a specialist physician.1
The NP’s role is therefore not to handle everything alone: when a situation goes beyond their area of expertise or requires a specialized assessment, they direct the person to the appropriate resource.
Why consult
In what situations should you see an NP?
For a new health problem
For example:
- respiratory symptoms;
- infection;
- urinary problem;
- digestive problem;
- pain;
- skin problem;
- musculoskeletal problem;
- hormonal symptoms;
- cardiovascular symptoms;
- other common health problems.
Depending on the situation, the NP can carry out the assessment, order the necessary tests, make a diagnosis and propose a treatment. The clinic can manage many common health problems and certain minor emergencies when they are compatible with the services available at the clinic.
To take stock of your health
You can see an NP even without an urgent problem. A consultation or health assessment can be an opportunity to review:
- your medical history;
- your medications;
- your blood pressure;
- your cardiovascular risk factors;
- your metabolic health;
- your lifestyle habits;
- recommended screenings;
- your hormonal health;
- your current concerns.
For the follow-up of a chronic disease
Primary care NPs can provide follow-up for many chronic diseases, for example:
- hypertension;
- diabetes;
- prediabetes;
- hypercholesterolemia;
- certain respiratory diseases;
- certain thyroid problems;
- other conditions that can be followed in primary care.
Follow-up may include: assessment, tests, treatment, adjustment and monitoring.
For women’s health
Depending on the situation, an NP can help with:
- contraception;
- sexual health;
- screening;
- symptoms of perimenopause or menopause;
- hormonal health;
- pregnancy follow-up;
- prevention.
For men’s health
An NP can assess, among other things:
- urinary symptoms;
- cardiovascular health;
- metabolic health;
- prevention;
- sexual health;
- hormonal concerns;
- other primary care health problems.
For a musculoskeletal problem
Some NPs develop particular expertise in musculoskeletal health. A consultation can assess, among other things:
- joint pain;
- osteoarthritis;
- tendinitis;
- bursitis;
- knee or shoulder pain;
- limited range of motion.
Depending on the assessment, different options may be discussed, sometimes including an injection or a referral to another professional.
Forms
Can an NP fill out medical forms?
Depending on the form, the clinical situation and the applicable requirements, yes. The Gouvernement du Québec states, among other things, that NPs can assess and follow a patient as part of a CNESST or SAAQ file, prescribe time off work and complete insurer forms, where applicable.1
A clinical assessment may be necessary before a document can be completed.
This may include, among other things:
- SAAQ forms;
- CNESST files;
- time-off-work notes;
- insurance forms.
What is the difference between an NP and a nurse?
A nurse already has a significant clinical scope of practice: among other things, they assess a person’s physical and mental condition, carry out prevention activities, administer certain treatments and take part in clinical follow-up.
The NP has additional advanced university training that allows them to perform additional activities, depending on their specialty class:2
- diagnose diseases;
- order diagnostic tests;
- determine and prescribe medical treatments;
- prescribe medications;
- use certain techniques or apply certain invasive treatments;
- provide pregnancy follow-up.
The roles are different and complementary.
And the difference between an NP and a doctor?
NPs and doctors are two health professionals with different training, scopes of practice and expertise. It would be inaccurate to present an NP as “a doctor with a different title.”
The NP practises their own profession, with a clinical approach that combines advanced nursing practice and many diagnostic and therapeutic activities. In many primary care situations, they can assess, diagnose, prescribe, treat and provide follow-up.
When the situation requires other expertise, the NP collaborates with the appropriate professionals.
The specialties
Do all NPs do the same thing?
No. In Quebec, there are five specialty classes of nurse practitioner.3
Primary care (PHCNP)
For people of all ages, for many common, chronic or preventive health issues.
Mental health (MHNP)
Advanced expertise in the assessment and management of mental health issues.
Adult care
For adults requiring specialized care.
Pediatric care
For children and adolescents requiring specialized pediatric care.
Neonatology
For newborns requiring specialized care.
At the Clinique IPS du Palais
Our team includes two PHCNPs and one MHNP.
At the Clinique IPS du Palais
Our model is based on collaboration between different professionals. The team has nine people, including:
- two primary care nurse practitioners (PHCNPs);
- one mental health nurse practitioner (MHNP);
- clinical nurses;
- one registered nurse (technical training);
- one licensed practical nurse (LPN);
- one social worker;
- one manager.
This organization makes it possible to direct each person to the professional best suited to their needs and to support continuity of care when several types of expertise are needed.
What to expect
What happens during a consultation with an NP?
The NP starts by discussing your symptoms, concerns and goals, then reviews your health history: medical history, allergies, medications, previous results, lifestyle habits and family history. A physical examination or certain measurements may be necessary depending on your situation.
Depending on the assessment, the NP can, among other things:
- reassure and advise;
- make a diagnosis when appropriate;
- order tests;
- prescribe a treatment;
- prescribe or adjust a medication;
- plan a follow-up;
- refer you to another professional.
Before your visit
Do you need to already have a diagnosis?
No. You don’t need to know what you have before booking an appointment: that is precisely one of the goals of the consultation.
You can consult with a symptom or a concern. The NP will assess the situation and decide with you on the appropriate next steps.
- “My knee has been hurting for three weeks.”
- “I’m always tired.”
- “My blood pressure seems high.”
- “I’d like to take stock of my health.”
When should you go to the emergency room instead?
A primary care clinic does not replace a hospital emergency department. If you have serious, sudden or potentially dangerous symptoms, for example significant difficulty breathing, loss of consciousness, possible signs of stroke or severe chest pain, call 9-1-1 or go to the emergency room.
If you are unsure where to go for a non-urgent problem, Info-Santé 811 can direct you to the appropriate resource.
Not sure which appointment to choose?
That’s normal. You don’t have to figure out on your own which professional, test or treatment you need. Simply explain your situation to our team: we can guide you to the most appropriate appointment.
See an NP in Saint-Hyacinthe
The Clinique IPS du Palais offers consultations with nurse practitioners at 795, avenue du Palais, in Saint-Hyacinthe.
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Can an NP diagnose an illness?
Yes. In Quebec, the law allows nurse practitioners to diagnose illnesses, according to their specialty class.
Can an NP order blood tests and other tests?
Yes. An NP can order the necessary diagnostic tests when indicated, for example a blood test, an X-ray or an ultrasound.
Can an NP prescribe medications?
Yes. An NP can prescribe, administer or adjust medications and other substances, based on the clinical assessment and the person's situation.
Can an NP do stitches or injections?
Yes, depending on their specialty and expertise. The Gouvernement du Québec lists stitches and joint injections among the procedures an NP can perform.
Can an NP refer me to a medical specialist?
Yes. Depending on the situation, an NP can request a consultation with another health professional or a medical specialist.
Can an NP fill out a SAAQ, CNESST or insurance form?
Depending on the form and the clinical situation, yes. The NP can assess and follow a patient as part of a CNESST or SAAQ file, prescribe time off work and complete insurers' forms, where applicable. An assessment may be necessary before completing the document.
Do you need a diagnosis before seeing an NP?
No. You can come in with a symptom or a concern: the NP will assess the situation and determine the appropriate next steps with you.
What is the difference between an NP and a nurse?
The NP has additional advanced university training (master's degree in nursing and DESS) that allows them, among other things, to diagnose illnesses and prescribe tests, medications and treatments, according to their specialty class. The roles are different and complementary.
Is an NP a doctor?
No. The NP and the physician are two professionals with different training, scopes of practice and expertise. In many primary care situations, however, the NP can assess, diagnose, prescribe, treat and provide follow-up.
Do all NPs do the same thing?
No. There are five specialty classes in Quebec: primary care, mental health, adult care, pediatric care and neonatology. At Clinique IPS du Palais, the team includes two PHCNPs and one MHNP.
Sources
- Gouvernement du Québec. Services offerts par les infirmières praticiennes spécialisées (IPS). Updated April 15, 2024, accessed October 7, 2026. quebec.ca
- Loi sur les infirmières et les infirmiers, RLRQ, c. I-8, section 36.1. Version current as of August 12, 2026, accessed October 7, 2026. legisquebec.gouv.qc.ca
- Règlement sur les classes de spécialités d’infirmière praticienne spécialisée, RLRQ, c. I-8, r. 8, sections 3 and 4. Accessed October 7, 2026. legisquebec.gouv.qc.ca
The content of this page is provided for information purposes and does not replace an individual assessment by a health professional.