What is a Nurse Practitioner?
A nurse practitioner (NP) is a registered nurse with advanced academic and clinical education and experience who is qualified to meet the majority of patients’ health care needs both in the hospital and in the outpatient office. Moreover, NPs promote a holistic approach to health care and emphasize the overall health and wellness of their patients. NPs can either provide general care as a primary provider or specialty care as a consultant for an individual condition. NPs specialize their practice in both the ambulatory and inpatient settings and are relied upon as experts for both patient care and training of other health care professionals. NPs are qualified to formulate patient diagnosis and treatment plans. Nurse practitioners order diagnostic tests and prescribe medications. They take the “whole person” into account, not just the immediate ailment. NPs concentrate on patient-centered care. They are specifically trained to educate and support individuals and families, helping them c
A nurse practitioner (NP) is a registered nurse with advanced academic and clinical experience, which enables him or her to: • Diagnose and manage most common and chronic illnesses, either independently or as part of a health care team. • Take medical histories and perform physical examinations. • Prescribe medications, order laboratory/diagnostic tests. • Work in collaboration with a physician. NP practice focuses on: • Health maintenance. • Disease prevention. • Counseling and patient education. With a strong emphasis on primary care, nurse practitioners are employed with a wide variety of specialties. Most are educated through programs that grant a master’s degree. An intensive preceptorship under the direct supervision of a physician or an experienced nurse practitioner, as well as expanded education in physical assessment, pathophysiology, pharmacology and social theory are key components to most NP programs.
A nurse practitioner (NP) is a registered nurse who has advanced education (usually has a master’s degree) and clinical training. Most NPs also specialize in specific areas such as adult, pediatric, family, or women’s health. Practicing under state rules and regulations, NPs provide clinical health services for the acute and chronically ill, along with a focus on health promotion, disease prevention, and health education and counseling. NPs can also provide prescriptive medications.
Nurse Practitioners are advance practice nurses licensed by the Arizona State Board of Nursing and authorized to provide health care services directly to patients within their scope of practice. Physician supervision is not required in the state of Arizona and Nurse Practitioners are issued their own prescribing licenses. For those patients requiring services outside the Nurse Practitioner’s scope of practice (e.g. extensive surgery, unusual medical conditions, etc.), Nurse Practitioners refer patients to appropriate clinicians. Nurse Practitioners have advanced specialized education, including a masters degree from accredited colleges or universities, and are required to pass a board examination. In addition, Nurse Practitioners may obtain certifications in specific fields, by establishing their experience and passing competency exams.
