Nurse Practitioner: What They Can Help You With
Nursing is a profession within the health care sector that is focused on the care of individuals, families, and communities so they can achieve, maintain, or recover optimal health and quality of life. Research from the Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that there are almost twice as many nurses in health care than any other kind of profession. () Some nurses may choose to extend their career and advance their clinical training by earning a graduate degree—either a master’s or doctorate. These nurses are called Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRN’s). Nurse practitioner (NP) is one of the four recognized general areas of specialization for APRNs-the other three being Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNSs), Nurse anesthetists (CRNAs), and Nurse Midwives (CNMs). The role of the nurse practitioner was created in 1965 and has been steadily evolving since then. () It is quickly becoming the preferred level of preparation in this field. So just what is a nurse practitioner and what can they help you with?
Nurse practitioners work collaboratively with registered nurses, doctors, social workers, registered dietitians, and others to provide personalized treatment for each individual.
What is a nurse practitioner?
Nurse practitioners are registered nurses who have additional education and nursing experience. The path to becoming a nurse practitioner in the United States starts by earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). Additionally, they require licensure as a registered nurse (RN) and experience in the generalist RN role. Then, one must graduate from an accredited graduate (MSN) or doctoral (DNP) program, this is an additional 1.5 to 3 years of post-baccalaureate training with an additional 500-1500 hours of practical training. Nurse practitioners are licensed in all states and the District of Columbia, and practice under the rules and regulations of the state in which they are licensed. To be recognized as expert health care providers and ensure the highest quality of care, nurse practitioners undergo rigorous national certification, periodic peer review, clinical outcome evaluations, and adhere to a code for ethical practices. Self-directed continued learning and professional development are also essential to maintaining clinical competency.
What does a nurse practitioner do?
Originally, nurse practitioners were expected to act as an extension of physicians and worked primarily to improve the health of children. Today, the role has become much broader () than it once was, and nurse practitioners often focus on various specialties. Nurse practitioners bring together medical knowledge with the values and skills of nursing. They provide high-quality care in rural, urban and suburban communities, in many types of settings including clinics, hospitals, emergency rooms, urgent care sites, private physician or nurse practitioner practices, nursing homes, schools, colleges, and public health departments.
