health matters | nursing
What is a nurse practitioner ?
of NPs prepares them to practice in various health care settings , including primary care , acute care and long-term care .
Which services can NPs provide ?
Some people may not even realize that the NP they speak with during an annual wellness exam isn ’ t a physician . That ’ s because NPs can perform a host of services people often associate with physicians . The U . S . National Library of Medicine notes that NPs are allowed to provide a broad range of services , including :
• Perform a physical exam
• Order laboratory tests and procedures
• Diagnose , treat and manage diseases
• Prescribe medications and write prescriptions
• Coordinate referrals
• Provide information regarding preventive care and healthy lifestyles
• Perform certain medical procedures
Annual wellness visits have long been considered a vital component of preventive health care . That hasn ’ t changed , though the dynamic between patient and health care professional during those visits has changed considerably for many people .
Once a realm exclusive to patients and their physicians , annual wellness exams now often involve patients and nurse practitioners . In fact , the American Association of Nurse Practitioners notes that NPs have become the preferred health partner of choice for millions of people , which makes it worthwhile to explore just what NPs do .
What is a nurse practitioner ?
The AANP notes that NPs are highly educated clinicians who blend clinical experience in diagnosing and treating health conditions with an added emphasis on disease prevention and health management . All NPs must complete a master ’ s or doctoral degree program and have advanced clinical training beyond their initial professional registered nurse preparation . The education and training required
What are the qualifications to be an NP ?
The AANP notes that NPs undergo rigorous certification , periodic peer review and clinical outcome evaluations . NPs also must adhere to ethical codes . In addition , due to the fluid nature of health care , NPs must self-direct their continued learning and development to ensure they maintain their clinical competency .
Why do I see an NP and not a physician ? The AANP notes that NPs help to address a shortage of primary care physicians . With their expertise and accepted range of responsibilities , NPs are helping to ensure patients receive timely and accurate medical advice . Without NPs , patients may have to wait especially long periods of time to see their physicians , which could have dramatic and adverse long-term effects on their overall health .
Nurse practitioners play a vital role in modern health care settings . These versatile , talented professionals routinely apply their rigorous training and extensive education in ways that benefit their patients every day . hm
10 Health Matters • Spring 2023