Nurse Practitioners
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Nurse practitioners (NP) are registered nurses (RN) who have met advanced educational and clinical practice requirements beyond the years of basic nursing education required of all RNs. NPs complete rigorous education, certification and continuing education requirements. These graduate level programs lead to a master’s degree. Most have a specialty such as pediatrics, family practice, or women’s health.

Nurse practitioners are qualified to handle a wide range of basic health problems. They focus largely on health maintenance, disease prevention, counseling and patient education. Nurse practitioners are qualified to conduct physical exams, take medical histories, diagnose and treat common problems, order and interpret lab tests, and prescribe medication. NP’s strive to provide a holistic approach to care, emphasizing overall health and wellness.

Nurse practitioners practice with a physician or group of physicians. This means that the physicians are available as needed for consultations, referral, and support. Physicians oversee and review the care given to their patients by nurse practitioners. In working together, nurse practitioners, physicians, and other health care professionals coordinate health services for optimum, quality care.