What Is a Nurse Practitioner?

Nurse practitioners (NPs) are advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) who provide primary, acute, chronic, and specialty healthcare services. NPs diagnose illnesses, prescribe medications, and can refer patients to other healthcare providers when needed.

Nurse practitioners provide patients with comprehensive healthcare, including taking medical histories, diagnosing conditions, educating patients and their families about healthcare, conducting medical exams, treating common illnesses and injuries, providing counseling, and writing prescriptions. They may work in many healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, and private practices, to improve access to quality healthcare, particularly for disadvantaged population and those living in rural area.

They typically work collaborate with physicians, but in some states, certified practice agreement allows Nurse Practitioners to work entirely independently