Nurse Practitioner FAQ

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A Nurse Practitioner (NP) Is a Registered Nurse Who:

• Has advanced education and clinical experience.
• Has earned a Masters of Science Degree in Nursing and/or has been recognized by a national certifying agency in a specialized field of nursing.
• Specialty areas of practice include: Adults, Family, Pediatrics, Geriatrics, Obstetrics, Gynecology
• Collaborates with a physician when medical consultation services are needed.

What Does an NP Do?

• Manages acute illnesses (sore throat, ear infections, etc.).
• Manages chronic illnesses (diabetes, high blood pressure, arthritis, etc.).
• Prescribes medications as needed for treatment of illness.

Health Promotion

• Performs periodic and annual physicals identifying health risk factors.
• Gives special attention to preventing illness.
• Counsels about health concerns.
• Teaches healthy lifestyles.
• Assesses need for stress management, exercise/fitness, weight reduction, and smoking cessation.

Health Maintenance

• Performs routine physicals.
• Screens for high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, cancer, etc.

Who Benefits From NP Services?

• Persons of all ages, in all stages of health and illness
• Business and industry
• Groups or organizations with specific educational or support needs (childbirth classes, parenting classes, chronic illness support and educational sessions)

Practice Settings for an NP

• Clinics
• HMO’s
• Occupational Health Offices
• Community Health Settings
• Schools
• Hospitals
• Family Planning Agencies
• Long Term Care Facilities
• Independent Consultant

How Can You Help Your NP Help You?

• Ask questions about your health and illness concerns
• Be involved in your own health care
• Request the addition of services if you feel you, your family and other would benefit

Information provided by the WNA – Wisconsin Nurses Association

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