What is an NP (Nurse Practioner)?
What can Nurse Practioners do?
How did Nurse Practioners originate?
Who is an Advanced Practice Nurse?
Why choose a Nurse Practioner?

What is a CNP (Certified Nurse Practioner)?

Nurse Practitioners (NPs) are nationally certified Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (RNs) with Master’s degrees, who have completed an internship in a clinical specialty. NPs are considered experts in their field and are qualified to treat the majority of patients' health care problems. NPs also provide a holistic approach to health care, and focus on preventative medicine. NPs work in collaboration with physicians to administer care.

NPs may be found in all fifty states. Since 1965, research studies have documented that NPs provide:

• Consistent high quality care
• A unique and holistic approach to health care
• Care that results in a high level of patient satisfaction

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What can Nurse Practioners do?

• Obtain medical histories and perform physical examinations
• Diagnose and treat acute health problems, such as infections and injuries
• Diagnose, treat and monitor chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension and heart disease
• Order, perform and interpret diagnostic studies such as lab work and x-rays
• Prescribe medications and other treatments
• Provide health maintenance care for adults, including annual physicals & pap tests
• Promote positive health behaviors and self-care skills through education and counseling (diabetes and weight loss)
• Collaborate with physicians and other health care professionals as needed

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How did Nurse Practioners originate?

Nurse Practitioners were first utilized in the 1960’s when there was a shortage of physicians. Nurses started programs that enabled them to provide care to patients in underserved areas of the country. The first NP programs were in Pediatrics.

Nurse Practitioners have widened their services to all age groups and practice in a variety of both rural and urban settings, such as:

• Physician offices
• Nursing Homes
• Public Health Departments
• Schools
• College Student Health Clinics

Nurse Practitioners are strong patient advocates who recognize that patients are critical partners in health care. Nurse Practitioners improve access to health care and provide high quality services to their patients.

Nurse Practioner specialties include:

• Adult
• Acute Care
• Pediatric
• Family Practice
• Gerontology
• Neonatal
• Psychiatric
• Women's Health

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Who is an Advanced Practice Nurse?

• Certified Registered Nurse Practitioners (CRNPs)
• Certified Nurse Midwives (CNMs)
• Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNSs)
• Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs)

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Why choose a Nurse Practioner?

NPs are expert health professionals who provide individualized care focusing not only on health problems, but also on the effects health problems may have on people and their families. They emphasize wellness and preventative care through education so patients have the information they need to make healthier lifestyle choices.

NPs typically have flexible schedules so as to see patients the same day in case of emergency. This prevents a prolonged wait in the emergency room and provides an immediate office visit in familiar surroundings. Physicians are always available to the NP and patient in case of an emergency during the office visit.

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