What Does It Mean to Be A Nurse Practitioner?
Certified Nurse Practitioners (CNPs) are Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) who have advanced training to diagnose illnesses and prescribe medication in areas such as primary care, acute care, geriatrics, and women's health. Premier Health values CNPs for their commitment to deliver compassionate, personalized patient care.
Jenni Doseck, APRN, CNP, Premier Women's Center, explains more about what it means to be a Nurse Practitioner:
What is the role of a Nurse Practitioner (NP)?
A Nurse Practitioner (NP) is an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) who is trained to assess patient needs and order and interpret diagnostic and laboratory tests. An NP diagnoses illness and disease and prescribes appropriate medications. Treatment plans are developed by the NP to provide the best plan of care for each patient.
How do Nurse Practitioners work with doctors to provide care?
A Nurse Practitioner works autonomously to provide care to patients who have needs, illnesses and disease within the NP’s advanced education. NPs also works collaboratively with a physician in a complementary working relationship. The NP seeks additional guidance and expertise from a physician when complicated patient needs arise.
How do Premier Health patients benefit from care provided by a Nurse Practitioner?
Premier Health patients are fortunate to have wonderful Nurse Practitioners who care about the health and well-being of each patient. Patient visits with Nurse Practitioners involve an individualized assessment and plan of care. Each care plan is created with the goal of allowing the patient to have the best quality of life possible while maintaining optimal health.
What makes a great Nurse Practitioner?
A great Nurse Practitioner is someone who cares about each and every patient they encounter. A Nurse Practitioner works to gain the trust of a patient to allow that patient to share concerns, worries, symptoms, and needs openly with the NP. A great Nurse Practitioner listens to their patients and allows them to have a shared role in developing the best plan of care. Each day that I go to work, I say to myself, "Please help me to be a good Nurse Practitioner today and help me to make a difference in someone's life." I believe this contributes to being a great Nurse Practitioner!
What training does it take to become a Nurse Practitioner?
NPs complete either a master's or doctoral degree program with advanced training beyond the role of a registered nurse. Clinical courses and educational training allow an NP to specialize in areas such as primary care, acute care, geriatrics, and women's health. A Nurse Practitioner must then pass a national certification exam and continue to advance their knowledge through professional development and continuing education courses throughout their career.