Nurse practitioner

Nurse practitioner
A Navy nurse practitioner assessing a patient
Occupation
Occupation type
Professional
Activity sectors
Nursing
Description
Education required
Depends on the country, but generally includes at least a post-graduate nursing degree
Fields of
employment
Healthcare
Related jobs
Registered nurse

A nurse practitioner (NP) is an advanced practice registered nurse and a type of mid-level practitioner.[1][2] NPs are trained to assess patient needs, order and interpret diagnostic and laboratory tests, diagnose disease, prescribe medications and formulate treatment plans. NP training covers basic disease prevention, coordination of care, and health promotion.

The scope of practice for a NP is defined by legal jurisdiction.[3][4] In 27 US states, NPs have full practice authority, while in the remaining states, NPs are required to work under the supervision of a physician.[5] In Australia, the scope of practice is guided by health organisation policy and the individual's competency, while their right to access Medicare rebates requires a Collaborative Practice Arrangement with a medical practitioner.[6]

  1. ^ "Mid-level health providers: a promising resource to achieve the health Millennium Development Goals" (PDF). World Health Organization. 2010. Archived from the original (PDF) on 19 Jul 2021. Retrieved 4 April 2021.
  2. ^ "Mid-Level Practitioners Authorization by State" (PDF). US Department of Justice. 4 January 2021. Retrieved 4 April 2021.
  3. ^ Stokowski, RN, MS, Laura A. "APRN Prescribing Law: A State-by-State Summary". Medscape. Retrieved 25 November 2015.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  4. ^ "Scope of Practice for Nurse Practitioners" (PDF). AANP Policy Statements. American Association of Nurse Practitioners. Retrieved 14 November 2017.
  5. ^ "State Practice Environment". American Association of Nurse Practitioners. 2023. Retrieved 23 April 2024.
  6. ^ "Eligible Nurse Practitioners Questions and Answers". Department of Health and Aged Care. 11 October 2018. Retrieved 14 September 2022.