What is a Nurse Practitioner?
A nurse practitioner is a Registered Nurse (R.N.) who has advanced education and clinical training in a health care specialty area. The nurse practitioner works with people of all ages and their families providing information people need to make informed decisions about their health care and lifestyle choices. Nurse practitioners practice under the rules and regulations of the Nurse Practice Act of the State in which they work. They are recognized as expert health care providers.
Nurse practitioners serve as regular health care providers for children and adults during health and illness. They can provide the following services:
- Obtain medical histories and perform physical examinations.
- Order, perform and interpret diagnostic studies such as lab work and x-rays.
- Prescribe medications and other treatments.
- Provide prenatal care, family planning services and treat menopause issues.
- Provide health maintenance care for adults including annual exams and collaborate with the physicians and other health care professionals, as needed.
This information was provided by American Academy of Nurse Practitioners.
Medical Disclaimer: The information provided in the Contemporary Women’s Care website should be relied upon for medical education purposes only. It is not intended to replace the independent judgment of a health care provider. The appropriateness of a course of treatment for a patient may vary from the medical information provided herein due to individual conditions and/or complications.
