Nurse practitioner
Nurse Practitioner
A Nurse Practitioner (pronunciation: /nɜːrs prækˈtɪʃənər/) is a registered nurse who has completed additional training and education, typically a master's degree, to perform tasks traditionally undertaken by a physician.
Etymology
The term "Nurse Practitioner" originates from the nursing profession, with "nurse" deriving from the Latin nutrire, meaning to nourish, and "practitioner" from the Latin practicare, meaning to perform or practice.
Role and Responsibilities
A Nurse Practitioner is authorized to provide a broad range of healthcare services, which may include taking medical histories, performing physical examinations, ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests, diagnosing and treating acute and chronic conditions, prescribing medications and treatments, and managing overall patient care.
Specializations
Nurse Practitioners can specialize in areas such as Family Practice, Pediatrics, Adult-Gerontology, Women's Health, Psychiatry, and Acute Care. Each of these specializations requires additional training and certification.
Education and Training
To become a Nurse Practitioner, one must first become a Registered Nurse (RN) and then complete a master's degree in nursing (MSN) or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree program. These programs include both classroom education and clinical experience. After completing their education, Nurse Practitioners must pass a national certification exam in their specialty area.
Related Terms
- Registered Nurse
- Physician
- Family Practice
- Pediatrics
- Adult-Gerontology
- Women's Health
- Psychiatry
- Acute Care
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Nurse practitioner
- Wikipedia's article - Nurse practitioner
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