The
Nurse Practitioner:
Focusing
on Wellness and Preventive Care
What
is a nurse practitioner?
A
nurse practitioner is a registered nurse who has received advanced nursing
education, usually a master's degree. A nurse practitioner practices
primary care and oversees the physical, mental, emotional, and social
health care needs of the patient. The nurse practitioner and the patient
work together to help the patient stay well and prevent illness or injury.
When necessary, the nurse practitioner will treat illnesses, keeping in
mind all the health care needs of the patient.
What
do they do?
In
Maryland, nurse practitioners can independently
-
diagnose
and treat simple (as well as stable chronic) illnesses
-
write
prescriptions
-
perform
history and physical examinations
-
provide
illness screening
-
provide
referrals to other health care professionals
-
provide
preventive health care education
What
are their qualifications?
In
the state of Maryland, a nurse practitioner must be a
Where
do nurse practitioners work?
Nurse
practitioners work in a large variety of health care settings. These may
include: private practice, clinics, physician offices, schools, research
centers, and hospitals.
What
are their limitations?
A
nurse practitioner is not qualified to treat complex illnesses (such as a
heart attack) or perform surgery. In the event of a serious illness, the
Nurse Practitioner will collaborate with a physician or make referrals to
other members of the health care team.
Where
can I learn more?
American
Academy of Nurse Practitioners
Prepared
by Sharon Smith, M.S., C.R.N.P
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