What is a Nurse Practitioner?
A Nurse Practitioner is an advanced practice registered nurse who has completed graduate level education, which is either a Masters of Nursing or a Doctorate in Nursing and holds a practice degree. A Nurse Practitioner is a Registered Nurse who has acquired the expert knowledge base, complex decision making skills and clinical competency for expanded practice. 
A Nurse Practitioner practices in a full range of primary, acute and psychiatric or mental health facilities as well as other specialty areas. A Nurse Practitioner works autonomously and in collaboration with health care professionals in their specialty area. A Nurse Practitioner is trained to :
- Order, perform and interpret diagnostic tests, lab work and X-rays, CAT scans, etc.
- Diagnose and treat acute and chronic conditions.
- Prescribe medications and other treatments.
- Manage patient’s overall care.
- Counseling and educating patients on disease prevention, understanding their diagnosis, understanding medications prescribed and why as well as potential side effects, and positive health and lifestyle choices.
- Specialty areas for nurse practitioners include Adult/Family/Pediatric health, Gerontology, Oncology, Immunology, Cardiovascular, Dermatology, Emergency Medicine, Endocrinology, Psychiatry, Gastroenterology, Hematology/Oncology, Neurology, Women’s Health, Orthopedics, Pulmonology/Respiratory, Urology, Sports Medicine to name a few.
Please reference the AANP (American Association of Nurse Practitioners) website for further information at www.aanp.org. Information obtained from this organization.