A nurse practitioner (NP) is a registered nurse who has completed advanced graduate education. A NP has earned an undergraduate degree in nursing with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), and is licensed as a registered nurse (RN). In addition, a NP has completed advanced graduate education and earned a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) specializing as a nurse practitioner. Many NPs have also completed doctoral nursing education, primarily with a clinical doctorate as a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), or with a research doctorate as a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in nursing. Upon completion of advanced graduate education, NPs have received national certification as a nurse practitioner and credentialing beyond their roles as registered nurses.
NPs are independently licensed practitioners who provide high-quality and cost-effective care. NPs practice as either primary healthcare providers or specialty healthcare providers in ambulatory, acute and long-term care settings. The scope of practice for NPs blends nursing and medical care for individuals, families and groups. NPs are well-known for their focus on health promotion and disease prevention, serve as healthcare researchers, interdisciplinary consultants, and patient advocates.
A nurse practitioner may provide a broad range of preventive and acute health care services to individuals of all ages, including the following:
- Provide health promotion and disease prevention services across the lifespan
- Interview the patient to obtain their history and perform a physical exam
- Diagnose and manage acute health conditions
- Diagnose and manage chronic health conditions
- Prescribe medications
- Prescribe non-pharmacologic therapies
- Order, conduct, supervise, and interpret diagnostic and laboratory tests
- Collaborate and refer patients to other healthcare professionals as needed
- Providing patient education and supportive counseling
- Perform procedures such as a lumbar punctures, suturing, joint injections, and biopsies
To learn more about the role of nurse practitioners, read the AANP Policy and Position Statements.