A nurse practitioner (or NP) is a nursing professional with a postgraduate degree, either master’s or doctoral, in the field of medicine. NPs diagnose and treat patients in a variety of settings, including medical offices, hospitals, surgical centers, emergency rooms, and nursing homes. The demand for NPs has grown in recent years, as an effective means of providing primary medical care during a period of physician shortages.

Depending on state law, many NPs practice independently or in collaboration with physicians (for example, some states have restrictions on prescribing medications). Training pathways differ, and NPs typically focus on routine and preventive care rather than surgical or other highly specialized medical procedures. At a minimum, an NP must complete a two- to four-year master’s degree at an accredited institution, followed by state licensure and national board certification. Many states have continuing-education requirements as well.

What Does a Nurse Practitioner Do?

NPs provide many of the same services as physicians and physician assistants in office, clinic, and hospital settings, with some variation by state. Nurse practitioners:

• Assess patient conditions
• Diagnose patient conditions
• Record medical histories
• Conduct physical exams
• Order lab tests
• Manage chronic health conditions
• Provide patient education
• Provide preventive care
• Refer patients to specialists
• Coordinate treatment plans

What Types of Nurse Practitioner Are There?

Nurse practitioners are trained in one or more specialties, often based on a segment of the population:

• Neonatal medicine (newborns)
• Pediatric care (children and young adults)
• Family practice (all ages)
• Gerontology (older adults)
• Women’s health
• Psychiatric/mental health

Other specialties are based on the treatment of medical conditions:

• Acute care (adults with serious illness or injury)
• Aesthetic or cosmetic care
• Emergency care
• Oncological care (cancer patients)
• Orthopedic care (individuals with musculoskeletal conditions)

When Should You See a Nurse Practitioner?

Seeing a nurse practitioner makes sense anytime you need care for a routine illness or injury, and you don’t have a regular doctor or yours isn’t available. You might make an appointment with an NP if you’re experiencing:

• A mild allergic reaction
• Cold or flu-like symptoms
• Slow-healing cuts or bruises
• Constipation
• Fatigue or feelings of anemia
• Hard-to-manage pain
• Headaches
• Respiratory issues
• Stomach upset, vomiting, or diarrhea

In some communities, NPs are the first-in-line resource for persons with routine medical concerns.

What Can I Expect at My Visit to a Nurse Practitioner?

Your first appointment with a nurse practitioner will lay the foundation for future visits. Your NP will ask about your symptoms, record your family history, and perform a physical exam. As part of the exam, they will document your weight, blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and glucose (blood sugar) levels. The NP will also ask you lifestyle questions, for example, whether you smoke, what your diet is like, your level of physical activity, and how much alcohol you consume. They may want to schedule you for preventive care or to update your vaccination record. With this information, your NP will assess the major risks to your health, the appropriate steps to take, and what resources you require to manage a current condition or to prevent a future illness.

If you have health questions, are experiencing symptoms, or have a family medical history that concerns you, the Baptist Health primary care team is ready to serve. For more information, contact us at 1.844.6BAPTIST.

Nurse Practitioner FAQs

Is a nurse practitioner a doctor?

No. Though there is some overlap in the services they provide, NPs and doctors occupy different positions in the world of healthcare. NPs often focus on routine treatment and preventive care based on a patient-centered nursing model. Physicians manage more complex medical conditions, including surgery and other technically sophisticated procedures, based on a medical model.

Is a nurse practitioner also an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN)?

A nurse practitioner is one kind of APRN. APRNs are nursing professionals with advanced degrees and extensive clinical experience who provide some—though not all—of the traditional services of a medical doctor. APRNs are certified in four different specialties, one of which is being a nurse practitioner.

Can a nurse practitioner prescribe medications?

It depends on which state or states the NP is licensed to work in. Some states allow NPs to prescribe medications, while others require physician collaboration or oversight when writing prescriptions.

Can a nurse practitioner deliver a baby?

Typically, no. NPs frequently provide pregnant women with pre- and postnatal care, but they do not deliver babies. Another APRN specialty, certified nurse-midwife, has the training and legal eligibility to deliver babies.