Nurse Practitioner / Clinical Nurse Specialist Career Resources

A nurse practitioner is a registered nurse (R.N.) with additional specialized education. The nurse practitioner provides some care previously offered only by physicians. Education for nurse practitioners includes advanced nursing and selected medical studies as well as intensive clinical experience specific to the nurse practitioner's area of practice.

Nurse practitioners practice under rules and regulations developed by state boards of nursing. In addition, nurse practitioners may be nationally certified. In most states, nurse practitioners have authority to prescribe medications.

Nurse practitioners care for basically healthy patients with typical health care needs. They focus on well-being and preventing health problems. Physicians are trained to treat complex health problems which may require complicated treatment or surgery. The high quality of care provided by nurse practitioners is well known. Consumer and government studies have shown that nurse practitioners are skilled clinicians and patient educators. Moreover, consumers value the nurse practitioner's sensitivity to patient's needs and their ability to decrease the mystery surrounding health care.

Nurse practitioners are qualified to provide you with many health services - including the treatment of minor illnesses - and will refer you to a physician if a serious health problem is discovered. For example, your nurse practitioner can provide:

• Physical exams, including Pap smears
• Health and wellness counseling
• Contraceptive care
• STD screening and follow-up
• Pregnancy testing and care before, during, and after pregnancy
• Evaluation and treatment of common infections
• Care before and after the menopause
• Screening and referral for other health problems

Nurse practitioners take time to answer your questions and address your concerns. If you want a highly qualified professional to pay attention to your health needs, see a nurse practitioner.