What is a Nurse Practitioner?

Nurse Practitioners are registered nurses with a graduate degree in nursing or other formal health education and training. They are licensed by the State to function independently or collaboratively with other health care professionals.

Nurse Practitioners are qualified to handle a wide range of health problems including many that traditionally have been performed by physicians. Emphasis is placed on health promotion and disease prevention as well as the diagnosis and management of common acute and chronic diseases.

Nurse Practitioners commonly:

• Perform complete health histories and physical exam
• Order and interpret lab work
• Prescribe medication and therapies
• Diagnose, treat and moniter common acute and chronic health care problems.
• Conduct health screening procedures such as pap smears, breast exams, well child exams, school/sport physical exams, and employment physicals.
• Provide health education to improve and maintain fitness through nutrition, exercise and lifestyle changes.
• Teach and advise family planning.
• Counsel in areas of stress management, eating disorder, smoking cessation, drug and alcohol addicition and family/relationship problems.
• Provide follow-up and referral to physicians and specialist as needed for:
  • Medications
  • Physical Therapy
  • HIV Testing and Counseling
  • Pregnancy Testing