A Nurse Practitioner (NP) is an advanced practice registered nurse educated and clinically trained to deliver high-quality, comprehensive health care. Nurse practitioners diagnose illnesses, treat conditions, order and interpret diagnostic tests, and prescribe medications. With a strong emphasis on disease prevention and patient education, NPs take a holistic approach to your health, ensuring personalized medical care tailored to your specific needs.

According to the American Academy Of Nurse Practitioners : aanp.org

Nurse practitioners (NPs) practice in nearly every health care setting, including clinics, hospitals, Veterans Affairs and Indian Health Care facilities, emergency rooms, urgent care sites, private physician or NP practices (both managed and owned by NPs), nursing homes, schools, colleges, retail clinics, public health departments, nurse-managed clinics, homeless clinics and home health. NP practice includes, but is not limited to, assessment; ordering, performing, supervising and interpreting diagnostic and laboratory tests; making diagnoses; initiating and managing treatment, including prescribing medication and non-pharmacologic treatments; coordinating care; counseling; and educating patients, their families and communities.

As licensed, independent practitioners, NPs practice autonomously and in coordination with health care professionals and other individuals. NPs provide a wide range of health care services, including the diagnosis and management of acute, chronic and complex health problems; health promotion; disease prevention; health education; and counseling to individuals, families, groups and communities. They may also serve as health care researchers, interdisciplinary consultants and patient advocates.

The NP role is consistent with the APRN Consensus Model, practicing in the population foci of Family/Individual Across Lifespan, Pediatrics, Women’s Health/Gender Related, Adult-Gerontology, Neonatal and Psychiatric Mental Health. NP scope of practice is not setting-specific and is based on the needs of the patient.