Student Health Center

A Nurse Practitioner is your partner in health

A nurse practitioner (NP) is a registered nurse (RN) who has completed advanced education and training in the diagnosis and management of common medical conditions, including chronic illnesses. Nurse practitioners provide a broad range of health care services. They provide some of the same care provided by physicians and maintain close working relationships with physicians. An NP can serve as a patient's regular health care provider.

Nurse practitioners see patients of all ages. The core philosophy of the field is individualized care. Nurse practitioners focus on patients' conditions as well as the effects of illness on the lives of the patients and their families. NPs make prevention, wellness, and patient education priorities. This can mean fewer prescriptions and less expensive treatments. Informing patients about their health care and encouraging them to participate in decisions are central to the care provided by NPs. In addition to health care services, NPs conduct research and are often active in patient advocacy activities.

• NPs practice under the rules & regulations of the state in which they are licensed
• Most NPs are nationally certified in their specialty area
• NPs are recognized as expert healthcare providers
• NPs provide healthcare services in all states and in many countries around the world
• NPs can prescribe in all 50 states and the District of Columbia

Nurses Practitioners provide high-quality, cost-effective healthcare

NPs are found in both rural and urban settings in facilities such as clinics, hospitals, emergency/urgent care sites, private physician or NP practices, nursing homes, schools and colleges, and public health departments, to name just a few. From treating illnesses to advising patients on maintaining a healthy lifestyle, NPs are fully qualified healthcare providers. Patients who are seen by NPs report an extremely high level of satisfaction with the care they receive.

Some examples of the many services of NPs:

• Collaborating with physicians and other health professionals as needed, including providing referrals
• Counseling and educating patients on health behaviors, self-care skills, and treatment options
• Diagnosing and treating acute illnesses, infections, and injuries
• Diagnosing, treating, and monitoring chronic diseases (e.g. diabetes, high blood pressure)
• Obtaining medical histories and conducting physical examinations
• Ordering, performing, and interpreting diagnostic studies (e.g. lab tests, x-rays, EKGs)
• Prescribing medications (depending on state regulations)
• Prescribing physical therapy and other rehabilitation treatments
• Providing prenatal care and family planning services
• Providing well-child care, including screening and immunizations
• Providing health maintenance care for adults, including annual physicals

Source : American Academy of Nurse Practitioners brochure.