What is a Nurse Practitioner?
Becoming a Nurse Practitioner: What You Need to Know
What is a nurse practitioner’s job?
If you want to know what is a nurse practitioner then read on. A nurse practitioner or simply NP is a registered nurse who has finished advanced education in the field of nursing with a special focus on the management, diagnosis and treatment of disease. A nurse practitioner has a minimum requirement of a master’s degree in nursing. He is considered an integral part of the medical team that provides individualized patient care as opposed to a regular nurse that may care for multiple clients or patients at the same time.
He can take a patient’s health history, perform physical exam as needed and may also order lab tests and diagnostic procedures even without a doctor’s recommendation. He can also write prescription medication, coordinate with other members of the health team, treat diseases under his capabilities and possibly manage the entire treatment process on his own. Apart from the usual diagnostic and medical management procedures, he also plans healthy activities with patients and the patient’s family.
What is a nurse practitioner job description?
The work of a nurse practitioner in general is focusing on individual patients in a variety of conditions. What is a nurse practitioner is different from a nurse or a medical professional in the sense that he does jobs that may be expected of a nurse plus he can work even without a doctor’s supervision. Depending on state laws, a nurse practitioner may need to pass a licensure examination and a may be required to undergo special training on advanced medical studies and nursing practices.
What is a nurse practitioner may depend on the area where an NP is. Here are some of the common jobs that an NP has:
• A nurse practitioner can prescribe medications in any area he is assigned to.
• He can provide prenatal care for mothers and family planning services for couples as well.
• A nurse practitioner can provide basic services for newborns which include newborn screening and well baby immunizations.
• Even without a doctor’s recommendation, he can order and interpret diagnostic procedures like lab tests, X-rays, ECGs and EKGs.
• A nurse practitioner can diagnose and treat medical illness of children, adults and geriatric patients.
• Finally, a nurse practitioner can provide referrals to other medical professionals. He can also advice counseling and patient education plus possible treatment options for certain illness and diseases.
What is a nurse practitioner requirement?
In order to practice his profession, a nurse practitioner must finish his master’s degree and pass a state licensure examination for NPs. A national certification for nurse practitioners is offered through the American Nurses’ Association, the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board and other governing bodies for nursing practice. It is also important for aspiring nurse practitioners to get advanced training on medical and nursing practices like acute medical care, pediatric care, intensive care and family nursing. Trainings and certifications are also available in various nursing associations as well.