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A
nurse practitioner (NP) is a registered nurse with
advanced academic and clinical experience, which enables
him or her to diagnose and manage most common and many
chronic illnesses, either independently or as part of a
health care team. A nurse practitioner provides some care
previously offered only by physicians and in most states
has the ability to prescribe medications. Working in
collaboration with a physician, a nurse practitioner
provides high-quality, cost-effective and individualized
care for the lifespan of patient's special needs.
NPs
focus largely on health maintenance, disease prevention,
counseling and patient education in a wide variety of
settings. With a strong emphasis on primary care, nurse
practitioners are employed within several specialties,
including neonatology, nurse-midwifery, pediatrics, school
health, family and adult health, women's health, mental
health, home care, geriatrics and acute care.
Nurse
practitioners are educated through programs that grant
either a certificate or a master's degree. A registered
nurse is recommended to have extensive clinical experience
before applying to a nurse practitioner program.
An intensive
preceptorship under the direct supervision of a
physician or an experienced nurse practitioner, as well as
instruction in nursing theory, are key components
to most NP programs.
www.aanp.org
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