What is a Nurse Practitioner?
A Nurse Practitioner (NP) is a registered nurse who has advanced education and clinical training in a health care specialty area. Most NP’s are certified in their specialty area. An NP can provide direct patient care, diagnose and treat health problems, education and counseling and write prescriptions, among many other things.
A nurse practitioner is one of four categories of “Advance Practice Nurses.” These nurses have received masters level detailed training beyond that required for RN licensure, and in a specific area of focus. NPs were originally designed as “physician extenders” to provide primary care to improve the health of children. But today’s NP focuses more on holistic, preventive care tailored to individuals—a more skilled nursing approach—rather than just substituting for a physician. Nurse practitioners can order and interpret diagnostic and laboratory tests, and can prescribe medication in all 50 states. Find a nurse practitioner school to begin your rewarding nursing career today.
A certified registered nurse practitioner (CRNP) is skilled in the care and education of patients, providing evaluation and diagnosis of acute and chronic illnesses, referral to specialist physicians, and prescribing of medications. With a degree in nursing, extensive clinical experience and master’s level preparation and certification, nurse practitioners serve in much the same capacity as the physicians with whom they collaborate. Our CRNP, Jeanne Fitzgibbon, has over 30 years experience in hospital and private medical practice settings.
Nurse Practitioners (NP’s) are registered nurses who are prepared, through advanced education and clinical training, to provide a wide range of preventative and acute health care services to individuals of all ages. NP’s complete graduate-level education preparation that leads to a master’s degree. NP’s take health histories and provide complete physical examinations; diagnose and treat many common acute and chronic problems; interpret laboratory results and x-rays; prescribe and manage medications and other therapies; provide health teaching and supportive counseling with an emphasis on prevention of illness and health maintenance; and refer patients to other health professionals as needed.
