Qualifications of a Nurse Practitioner

A Nurse Practitioner is an advanced practice registered nurse who has completed

graduate-level education (either a Master of nursing or Doctor of Nursing Practice
degree). Nurse practitioners treat both physical and mental conditions through
comprehensive history taking, physical exams, and ordering and interpreting diagnostic
tests. NPs can diagnose a wide range of acute and chronic diseases (within their scope
of practice) and provide appropriate treatment for patients, including prescribing
medications.

Nurse Practitioners can serve as a patient's primary health care provider, and see
patients of all ages depending on their specialty (family, pediatrics, geriatrics, etc.). The
core philosophy of the field is individualized care that focuses on patients' conditions as
well as the effects of illness on the lives of the patients and their families. NPs make
prevention, wellness, and patient education priorities. In addition to health care services,
NPs conduct research and are often active in patient advocacy activities. To become
licensed/certified to practice, Nurse Practitioners hold national board certification in an
area of specialty (such as family, women's health, pediatrics, adult, acute care, etc.),
and are licensed through the state nursing boards.

According to International Council of Nurses, advanced practice nurse is "a registered
nurse who has acquired the expert knowledge base, complex decision-making skills
and clinical competencies for expanded practice, the characteristics of which would be
determined by the context in which s/he is credentialed to practice."

The role of the nurse practitioner includes:
Diagnosing, treating, evaluating and managing acute and chronic illness and
disease (e.g. diabetes, high blood pressure)
Obtaining medical histories and conducting physical examinations
Ordering, performing, and interpreting diagnostic studies (e.g., routine lab tests,
bone x-rays, EKGs)
Prescribing physical therapy and other rehabilitation treatments
Prescribing drugs for acute and chronic illness (extent of prescriptive authority
varies by state regulations)
Providing prenatal care and family planning services
Providing well-child care, including screening and immunizations
Providing primary and specialty care services, health-maintenance care for
adults, including annual physicals
Providing care for patients in acute and critical care settings
Performing or assisting in minor surgeries and procedures (with additional
training and/or under physician supervision in states where mandated; e.g.
dermatological biopsies, suturing, casting)
Counseling and educating patients on health behaviors, self-care skills, and
treatment options

Qualifications:
Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree, or
Associate Degree in nursing program
Registered Nurse
NCLEX-RN Passer
Masters or Doctorate degree holder
Certification of Nursing Practitioners



















Qualifications of
Independent Nurse Practitioner

A Written Report in
Contemporary Nursing


Esteves, Christian C.
BSN IV-2