A Nurse Practitioner is a registered nurse who has advanced education and clinical training in a health care specialty.

Nurse Practitioners are licensed under the rules and regulations of the Nurse Practice Act for the state in which they work. Most Nurse Practitioners are also nationally certified in a specialty area. They are recognized as expert health care providers.

Nurse Practitioners can function as Primary Health Care Providers in New Mexico and other states.

Nurse Practitioners work in all 50 States. Research studies have shown that Nurse Practitioners provide:

• High Quality Care
• Cost Effective Care
• A Unique Approach to Healthcare
• Care That Meets High Patient Satisfaction Scores

What do Nurse Practitioners Do?

• Obtain medical histories and perform physical examinations
• Diagnose and treat acute health problems such as infections and injuries
• Diagnose, treat, and monitor chronic diseases such as diabetes and high blood pressure
• Order, perform and interpret diagnostic studies such as lab work and x-rays.
• Prescribe medications and other treatments
• Provide pre-natal and family planning services
• Provide well-child care including screening and immunizations
• Provide health maintenance care for adults, including annual physicals
• Promote positive health behavior and self-care skills through education and counseling
• Collaborate with physicians and other health professionals as needed

What are some Nurse Practitioner Specialty Areas?

Nurse Practitioners provide primary health care in a number of specialty areas such as:

• Acute Care
• Adult Care
• Emergency Care
• Family Practice
• Gerontology/Elder Health
• Neonatal/Perinatal Care
• Occupational Health
• Oncology
• Pediatric/Child Health
• School/College Health
• Women's Health
• Obstetrics/Midwifery

Where do Nurse Practitioners Work?

Nurse Practitioners are in both urban and rural settings such as:

• Community Health Centers
• Public Health Departments
• Hospitals and Hospital Clinics
• School and College Health Clinics
• Industry Employee Health Departments
• Physician Offices
• Nurse Practitioner Offices