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 to promote quality health care for all people in the United States.

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