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What is a Nurse Practitioner?

A Nurse Practitioner (NP) is a registered nurse with advanced graduate training (master and doctorate level) in diagnosing and treating illness. Although they provide the same services offered by primary care physicians and maintain close working relationships with their MD colleagues, NPs differ from physicians in that they focus on prevention, wellness, and education.

Nurse practitioners see patients of all ages. The core philosophy of the field is individualized care. Nurse practitioners focus on patients' conditions as well as the effects of illness on the lives of the patients and their families. An NP can serve as a patient's regular health care provider.

Why Choose a Nurse Practitioner?

Nurse Practitioners provide patients with the information they need to make decisions about their own health. They take the time to listen to patients' concerns, health and otherwise. NPs concentrate on preventative health care and they provide individualized, holistic (all encompassing) care.

What Services Do NPs Provide?

• Obtain medical histories and conduct physical examinations
• Provide immunizations and other preventative, health maintenance care
• Diagnose and treat acute and chronic illnesses (colds, diabetes, HTN), infections, injuries
• Provide prenatal care and family planning services
• Order and interpret diagnostic tests such as x-rays, blood work, and EKG's
• Prescribe medications for all types of health conditions
• Prescribe physical therapy, massage therapy, and other rehabilitation
• Perform procedures such as Pap Smears and IUD insertion, suturing, skin biopsy
• Refer to other health care providers

Where Do Nurse Practitioners Work?

Nurse Practitioners practice in a variety of settings both urban and rural including:

• Private Offices
• Walk-in clinics
• Community Clinics
• Health Departments
• School/College Clinics
• Hospitals
• Home Health Care Agencies
• Nursing Homes
• Health Maintenance Organizations