Nurse Practitioner (NP)
A nurse practitioner (NP) is a registered nurse who has completed advanced education, generally a Master of Science in Nursing, and specializes in a particular field of medical care. NPs are trained in the diagnosis and management of common medical conditions, including chronic illnesses. They provide much of the same care as physicians and can serve as a patient’s regular health care provider. In addition to health care services, NPs conduct research and are often active in patient advocacy activities.Some nurse practitioner's duties may include the following:
- Diagnosing, treating, evaluating and managing acute and chronic illness and disease
- Obtaining medical histories and conducting physical examinations
- Ordering, performing, and interpreting diagnostic studies
- Prescribing medications Prescribing physical therapy and other rehabilitation treatments
- Performing minor surgeries and procedures
- Counseling and educating patients on health behaviors, self-care skills, and treatment options
Reference: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nurse_practitioner