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Qualifications of a Nurse Practitioner

ANurse Practitioner is an advanced practice registered nurse who has completed

graduate-level education (either a Master of nursing or Doctor of Nursing Practicedegree). Nurse practitioners treat both physical and mental conditions through

comprehensive history taking, physical exams, and ordering and interpreting diagnostic

tests. NPs can diagnose a wide range of acute and chronic diseases (within their scope

of practice) and provide appropriate treatment for patients, including prescribing

medications.

Nurse Practitioners can serve as a patient's primary health care provider, and see

patients of all ages depending on their specialty (family, pediatrics, geriatrics, etc.). The

core philosophy of the field is individualized care that focuses on patients' conditions as

well as the effects of illness on the lives of the patients and their families. NPs make

prevention, wellness, and patient education priorities. In addition to health care services,

NPs conduct research and are often active in patient advocacy activities. To become

licensed/certified to practice, Nurse Practitioners hold national board certification in an

area of specialty (such as family, women's health, pediatrics, adult, acute care, etc.),

and are licensed through the state nursing boards.

According to International Council of Nurses, advanced practice nurse is "a registered

nurse who has acquired the expert knowledge base, complex decision-making skills

and clinical competencies for expanded practice, the characteristics of which would be

determined by the context in which s/he is credentialed to practice."

The role of the nurse practitioner includes: Diagnosing, treating, evaluating and managing acute and chronic illness and

disease (e.g. diabetes, high blood pressure)

Obtaining medical histories and conducting physical examinations

Ordering, performing, and interpreting diagnostic studies (e.g., routine lab tests,

bone x-rays, EKGs)

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Prescribing physical therapy and other rehabilitation treatments

Prescribing drugs for acute and chronic illness (extent of prescriptive authority

varies by state regulations)

Providing prenatal care and family planning services

Providing well-child care, including screening and immunizations

Providing primary and specialty care services, health-maintenance care for

adults, including annual physicals

Providing care for patients in acute and critical care settings

Performing or assisting in minor surgeries and procedures (with additional

training and/or under physician supervision in states where mandated; e.g.

dermatological biopsies, suturing, casting)

Counseling and educating patients on health behaviors, self-care skills, and

treatment options

Qualifications:

Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree, or

Associate Degree in nursing program

Registered Nurse

NCLEX-RN Passer

Masters or Doctorate degree holder

Certification of Nursing Practitioners

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Qualifications of

ndependent Nurse Practitioner

A Written Report in

Contemporary Nursing

Esteves, Christian C.

BSN IV-2