Nursing Essay, Research Paper
What is a Nurse Practitioner?
A nurse practitioner is a registered nurse (RN) who has advanced education and clinical training in a health care
specialty area. Nurse practitioners work with people of all ages and their families, providing information people need to
make informed decisions about their health care and lifestyle choices.
Nurse Practitioners practice under the rules and regulations of the Nurse Practice Act of the state in which they work.
Most nurse practitioners are also nationally certified in their specialty area. They are recognized as expert health care
providers.
Nurse practitioners may be found in all 50 states. Research studies since 1965 have documented that Nurse practitioners
provide:
High quality care
Cost-effective care
A unique approach to health care
Care that results in a high level of patient satisfaction
Nurse practitioners serve as the regular health care provider for children and adults during health and illness. In order to
provide complete health care, Nurse Practitioners:
Obtain medical histories and perform physical examinations
Diagnose and treat acute health problems such as infections and injuries
Diagnose, treat, and monitor chronic diseases such as diabetes and high blood pressure
Order, perform, and interpret diagnostic studies such as lab work and x-rays
Prescribe medications and other treatments
Provide prenatal care and family planning services
Provide well-child care, including screening and immunizations
Provide health maintenance care for adults, including annual physicals
Promote positive health behaviors and self-care skills through education and counseling
Collaborate with physicians and other health professionals as needed
Nurse Practitioners do more than direct patient care. Many nurse practitioners are also actively involved in education,
research, and legislative activities
What are the specialty areas of Nurse Practitioners?
Nurse Practitioners provide primary health care in a number of specialty areas, such as:
Acute Care
Adult
Emergency
Family Practice
Gerontologic/Elder Health
Neonatal/Perinatal
Occupational Health
Oncology
Pediatric/Child Health
Psychiatric/Mental Health
School/College Health
Women’s Health
Where do Nurse Practitioners Work?
In an effort to make health care available to as many people as possible. Nurse Practitioners work in both rural and urban
settings, such as:
Community Health Centers
Public Health Departments
Hospitals and Hospital Clinics
School and College Student Health Clinics
Business and Industry Employee Health Settings
Physician Offices
Nurse Practitioner Offices
Health Maintenance Organizations
Nursing Homes and Hospices
Home Health Agencies
The Armed Forces and Veteran’s Administration Facilities
Schools of Nursing
Why Choose a Nurse Practitioner?
More and more people are choosing Nurse Practitioners for their regular health care provider because Nurse
Practitioners are health professionals who:
Provide individualized care, focusing not only on health problems, but also on the effects health problems have on
people and their families.
Explain the details of health problems, medications, and other topics to help people fully understand how to take care of
themselves
Ask about people’s worries and concerns about their health and their health care
Emphasize wellness and self-care by giving people the information they need to make healthy lifestyle choices and
health care decisions
Charge competitive fees which are covered by health insurance programs