Nurse Practitioners are licensed independent practitioners who provide primary and/or specialty nursing and medical care in ambulatory, acute, and long term care settings. They are registered nurses with specialized advanced education and clinical competency to provide health and medical care for diverse populations in a variety of primary care, acute, and long term care settings. Master’s, post masters, or doctoral preparation is required for entry level practice (AANP, 2006) which includes didactic and clinical courses designed to prepare graduates with specialized knowledge and clinical primary care competencies. The NP scope of practice includes blending nursing and medical services for individuals, families, and groups. NPs diagnose and manage acute and chronic conditions and emphasize health promotion and disease prevention. Their services include, but are not limited to ordering, conducting, and interpreting diagnostic and laboratory tests; prescribing pharmacologic agents and non-pharmacologic therapies; and teaching and counseling. They practice autonomously and in collaboration with other healthcare professionals to manage patients' health needs. The NP provides health education and utilizes community resource opportunities for the individual and/or family. Additionally, the NP facilitates patient participation in self-care. This s done by the NP providing information needed to make decisions and choices about promoting, maintaining, and restoring health. The NP will also consult with other appropriate health care personnel and utilize health care resources as patient care dictates. NP's promote optimal health and provide continually competent care in a safe environment. NP’s also are filling a gap in family health care. As our nation faces future challenges of an aging population, rising health care costs, and the growing burden of chronic disease, NP’s bring strength to the health care work force.
