8 Things that a Nurse Practitioner is Supposed to Do
A nurse practitioner (NP) is a type of advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) who has completed advanced education and clinical training beyond that of a traditional registered nurse (RN). NPs are licensed healthcare professionals who are able to perform many of the same duties as a physician, such as diagnosing and treating illnesses, ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests, and prescribing medications.
The specific responsibilities of a nurse practitioner may vary depending on their area of specialization, but they generally include:
- Conducting physical examinations and collecting patient histories
- Diagnosing and treating common illnesses and injuries
- Prescribing medications
- Ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests
- Developing and implementing treatment plans
- Educating patients and families on health promotion and disease prevention
- Referring patients to other healthcare professionals as necessary
- Collaborating with physicians and other healthcare professionals to provide continuity of care
Nurse practitioners can specialize in a variety of areas such as family practice, pediatrics, psychiatry, and gerontology. They can also specialize in specific medical conditions such as diabetes, cardiology, or oncology.
In most states, NPs are required to have a master’s degree in nursing, be licensed as an RN, and pass a national certification exam. They also must have a valid state license and are required to maintain their certification through continuing education.
To sum up, a nurse practitioner is an advanced practice registered nurse who has completed additional education and training to diagnose and treat illnesses, order and interpret diagnostic tests and prescribe medications. They work in collaboration with physicians and other healthcare professionals to provide continuity of care to patients.