Welcome to the Newfoundland and Labrador Physiotherapy Association (NLPA)!
The NLPA is the provincial branch of the Canadian Physiotherapy Association (CPA), our national professional association representing over 10,000 members. CPA’s mission is to provide leadership and direction to the physiotherapy profession, foster excellence in practice, education and research, and promote high standards of health in Canada.
Signing the National Physiotherapy Month Proclamation on May 4, 2011 with Minister Jerome Kennedy, QC
Meet the 2011-21012 Executive:
Past President: Sandra Gosse
President: Sara Toope
Treasurer: Dana O'Brien
Secretary: Deanna Clarke
Regional Reps: Caroline Sullivan, Debbie Bouzane, Melissa Coish, Melanie Browne
Member at Large- Jennifer Penney
WANT AN ESCAPE? CAST AWAY TO OUR ISLAND….
Physiotherapists…looking for a new and challenging career experience? Newfoundland Labrador (NL) has employment opportunities as diverse as the island itself. Our vast and beautiful province offers a unique experience in every region. From our rugged shores to our urban centers, you will meet talented, friendly people, rich in culture, knowledge and skills. Whether you are an outdoor enthusiast or one who enjoys the city life, there is something to interest all, and our fresh air will liven your senses!
From the Labrador-Grenfell Region:
- Iron ore mining community with a population of approximately 12,000
- Current 'boom' is bringing hundreds of new employees to town
- Winter lasts approximately 6 months and brings with it an abundance of beautiful snow!
- Cross country and downhill ski resorts - world recognized cross country ski trails
- Plenty of organized sports clubs. i.e. curling, basketball, volleyball, hockey, rowing.
- Everything is within walking distance
- Construction has begun on a brand new health care facility
To the shores of Bonavista:
- A 500 year old fishing village with a community health centre serving a population of about 9,000 people
- A sole charge physiotherapist works across the continuum, where challenges are matched with opportunities
- The peninsula is surrounded by the north Atlantic ocean, and the rugged coastline offers hiking trails, icebergs, live theatre, bird and whale watching, kayaking, berry picking and snowshoeing
- You can access skiing and golfing within 90 minutes, while the capital St John’s is a 3.5 hour drive away
One rural Physiotherapist comments on her experience:
“Practice in "Rural NL" is always something different. Caseloads are always a mix of practice areas and you get to see a bit of everything. It's a great way to keep up your skills in a variety of areas. Smaller institutions means you get more personal input into service delivery and program development. Management looks to the frontline workers to sit on committees so you feel that you've got some say into the day to day operations.
"Rural Living" means you don't have to live in a sub division where all the houses look the same. It means you can live by the water, have trees for privacy and your neighbour's not directly in you backyard. But for the times that you're looking for the city life, it's only a 45 minute drive away.”
Physiotherapists employed in NL include graduates from universities far and wide, offering a variety of clinical knowledge and expertise, adding to the diversity of the professional community. Approximately sixty percent of Physiotherapists in our province are employed in the public sector, while forty percent have chosen private sector employment. Areas of practice include women’s health, pediatrics, geriatrics, cardio respiratory, orthopedics, neurology, chronic pain, sports and occupational rehabilitation, and long term care, to name a few. Settings include acute care, rehabilitation facilities, sole practice, multidisciplinary clinics, and outreach and community environments. Continuing education opportunities are available throughout the Atlantic Provinces, including NL and financial assistance and benefit packages are offered in some settings. Physiotherapists working in NL are required to be members of the Canadian Physiotherapy Association (CPA) and the Newfoundland and Labrador College of Physiotherapists (NLCP). Many Physiotherapists are active volunteers in their communities.
Come join us!
