What's a Nurse Practitioner?

According to the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP), a nurse practitioner is a registered nurse (RN) who has additional education and training in a specialty area such as family practice or pediatrics.

NPs (who are also referred to as advanced practice nurses, or APNs) have a master's degree in nursing, (MS or MSN) in the specialty area of their interest (many are also nationally certified in their area of specialty). For example, a pediatric NP has advanced education, skills, and training in caring for infants, children, and teens.

Licensed as nurse practitioners and registered nurses, NPs follow the rules and regulations of the Nurse Practice Act of the state where they work. If accredited through the national board exam, the NP will have an additional credential such as Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (CPNP) or Certified Family Nurse Practitioner (CFNP).

Pediatric and family practice NPs can provide regular health care for your child. An NP who specializes in pediatrics can perform the following tasks:

• document your health history and perform a physical exam
• plan your care with you and your health care team
• perform some tests and procedures
• answer questions about your health problems
• treat common illnesses
• change the plan of care with your doctor as needed
• write prescriptions
• order medical tests

Nurse Practitioners are located in the Hillcrest Health System through family medicine clinics and the Hospitalist Program.

Source: www.kidshealth.org