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Scope Registered Nurse Practitioner;
Scope of practice
Because the profession is state regulated, care provided by NPs varies. A nurse
practitioner's duties may include the following:
Diagnosing, treating, evaluating and managing acute and chronic illness and
disease (e.g., pneumonia, diabetes, high blood pressure)
Obtaining medical histories and conducting physical examinations
Ordering, performing, and interpreting diagnostic studies (e.g., lab tests,
x-rays, EKGs)
Prescribing medications
Prescribing physical therapy and other rehabilitation treatments
Providing prenatal care and family planning services
Providing well-child care, including screening and immunizations
Providing primary and specialty care services, health maintenance care for
adults, including annual physicals
Performing minor surgeries and procedures (e.g., dermatological biopsies,
suturing, casting)
Collaborating with physicians and other health professionals as needed,
including providing referrals
Counseling and educating patients on health behaviors, self-care skills, and
treatment options
Practice settings
NPs practice in all states. The institutions in which they work include the
following:
Community clinics and nurse-managed health centers
Health departments
Health maintenance organizations (HMOs)
Home health care agencies
Hospitals and hospital clinics including ER and Urgent Care
Hospice centers
Nurse practitioner offices
Nursing homes
Nursing schools
Physician offices
Public health departments
School/college clinics
Veterans Administration facilities
Walk-In Clinics
