education and clinical training in a health care specialty. Most
Nurse Practitioners have national certification in their area of
expertise. Nurse Practitioners serve as primary health care
providers for children and adults during health and illness. Their
goal is to help people of all ages stay as healthy as possible. They
do this by teaching people and treating their acute illnesses (such
as infections) and chronic disease (such as diabetes).
What Can A Nurse Practitioner Do?
- Physical examination, treatment & procedures
- Order and interpret laboratory and diagnostic studies
- Family planning service
- Healthcare during pregnancy
- Well/sick care for all ages
- Health risk evaluation
- Psychological counseling
- Coordination of health care services
- Health education
Can Nurse Practitioners Prescribe Medication?
Yes. How a Nurse Practitioner prescribes medications is regulated
by each state's Nurse Practice Act. In Texas, Nurse Practitioners
have prescriptive authority through written agreements with a
collaborating physician.
Why Choose a Nurse Practitioner?
Nurse Practitioners are also trained to promote health and prevent
disease through comprehensive health care and education. More
and more people are choosing a Nurse Practitioner for their regular
health care provider because Nurse Practitioners are highly trained
health professionals who:
- take time to listen to you and your family's worries and concerns
- explain the details of health problems, medications, and other
topics to help you understand how to take care of yourself
- provide individualized care
- work in collaboration with physicians and other health
professionals to insure that you receive the best possible health
care
- really care about you, your health, your family, and the
community you live in
- treat you when you are sick
- teach you how to care for yourself when ill and how to stay
healthy
