rnph.com
RNP Home = Registered Nurse Practitioner;
A nurse practitioner (NP) is a registered nurse who has completed advanced
education (generally a minimum of a master's degree) and training in the
diagnosis and management of common medical conditions, including chronic
illnesses. Nurse practitioners provide a broad range of health care services.
Nurse practitioners provide much of the same care provided by physicians and
usually maintain close working relationships with physicians. Nurse
Practitioners can prescribe medications and have a DEA registration number in
most states. Nurse Practitioners may bill for Medicare and Medicaid and private
insurance for services performed. An NP can serve as a patient’s regular health
care provider and see patients of all ages. Nurse Practitioners in certain
states can be "psychiatric clinicians" and perform similiar practice as a
Psychiatrist would. The core philosophy of the field is individualized care.
Nurse practitioners focus on patients' conditions as well as the effects of
illness on the lives of the patients and their families. NPs make prevention,
wellness, and patient education priorities. This can mean fewer prescriptions
and less expensive treatments. Informing patients about their health care and
encouraging them to participate in decisions are central to the care provided by
NPs. In addition to health care services, NPs conduct research and are often
active in patient advocacy activities.
NPs can work autonomously and some are able to open their own clinical
practices. American NPs, according to the American College of Nurse
Practitioners, are required in 28 states to practice in collaboration with a
physician though they may prescribe medications and carry a DEA number in 49
states.
