What is a Nurse Practitioner?

• A Registered Nurse with advanced education and clinical training
• A collaborative member of the health care team
• Nurse Practitioners bring together the medical knowledge needed to diagnose and treat illnesses with the values and skills of nursing

A Nurse Practitioner can do everything a Registered Nurse can do PLUS:

• Diagnose and treat minor acute illnesses and common medical disorders
• Assess, treat, and monitor common and stable chronic health conditions like diabetes, asthma, and high blood pressure
• Order and interpret diagnostic tests such as x-rays, ultrasounds, and lab tests
• Perform minor procedures such as suturing cuts and pap tests
• Works with communities to develop healthy living programs
• Works with you to develop a personal plan to improve you health
• Prescribe medications
• Prenatal and postnatal care
• Performs histories and physicals