WHAT IS A NURSE PRACTITIONER?
What Are NPs Qualified to Do?
A nurse practitioner (NP) is a registered nurse who has received
specialized training (often at a graduate level) in diagnosing
and treating illnesses and providing health care maintenance.
Many are family nurse practitioners, and some specialize in other
areas, including:
* acute care
* counselling
* adult health
* family health
* geriatric/elder health
* pediatric/child health
* psychiatric/mental health
* school/college health
* women's/obstetric-gynecologic health
Where Do NPs Work?
NPs work in all 50 states and Washington, DC, in many health
care settings. They can work independently in their own health
care offices or in collaboration with physicians; they also may
work in clinics, hospitals, out-patient facilities, nursing homes,
schools, businesses correctional facilities or in home health
care agencies.
What Are NPs Qualified to Do?
As health care providers, NPs are trained and qualified to:
* obtain health histories and perform physical exams
* diagnose and treat common illnesses and injuries
* recognize complicated medical conditions that require referral
* manage chronic medical conditions such as diabetes and high
blood pressure
* order and interpret diagnostic tests, including lab tests and
x-rays
* prescribe medications and other treatments
* give advice on how to prevent disease
* give vaccinations
* refer to community resources and agencies
Why Choose an NP?
NPs will take the time to assess how your lifestyle affects
your health. NPs work with their patients to prevent illness and
promote healthy lifestyle choices. They concentrate on early detection
of illness and emphasize disease prevention by providing education
for patients.