What does a Nurse Practitioner Do?
A Nurse Practitioner (NP) is an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) who has received additional training and education beyond that of a registered nurse (RN). NPs are licensed healthcare providers who diagnose and treat medical conditions, prescribe medications, and provide patient-centered care across various healthcare settings. They can work independently or in collaboration with physicians, depending on state regulations. Nurse practitioners are trained to take a holistic approach to patient care, focusing not only on treating illness but also on prevention, health promotion, and patient education. Many specialize in areas such as family practice, pediatrics, geriatrics, women's health, mental health, and acute care, allowing them to tailor their services to specific patient populations.
Responsibilities of a Nurse Practitioner:
- Perform physical exams and assess patient health
- Diagnose and treat acute and chronic illnesses
- Prescribe medications and manage treatment plans
- Order and interpret diagnostic tests, such as blood work and imaging
- Provide patient education on disease prevention and healthy lifestyle choices
- Specialize in areas like family medicine, mental health, pediatrics, and geriatrics
- Collaborate with physicians and healthcare teams when needed
- Offer primary and preventive care in hospitals, clinics, private practices, and community health settings
Myra Atchison, DNP-FNP-BC, Nurse Practitioner