What is a Nurse Practitioner?

An NP (Nurse Practitioner) is your partner in health providing high-quality primary, acute and specialty healthcare services similar to those of a physician. NPs have graduate, advanced education (most have Master's degrees and many have Doctorates) and advanced clinical training beyond their initial registered nurse preparation. They bring a unique perspective to health services in that they place emphasis on both care and cure. Along with clinical services, NPs focus on health promotion, disease prevention, and health education and counseling, guiding patients to make smarter health and lifestyle choices.

NPs practice under the rules and regulations of the state in which they are licensed.
Most NPs are nationally certified in their specialty area.
NPs are recognized as expert healthcare providers.
NPs provide healthcare services in all states and in many other countries around the world.
NPs can prescribe in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

Among their many services, NPs:

• order, perform and interpret diagnostic tests such as lab work and x-rays
• diagnose and treat acute and chronic conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, infections and injuries
• prescribe medications and other treatments
• manage a patient's care
• treat the whole person, guiding them to make smart health and lifestyle choice

(American Academy of Nurse Practitioners 2007 www.aanp.org)