What is a Nurse Practitioner?

Nurse Practitioners (NPs) are healthcare professionals with advanced education and training in diagnosing and managing acute and chronic medical conditions. They work independently and collaboratively with other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive care to patients of all ages.

NPs have the authority to perform many of the same medical functions as Family Doctors, including diagnosing and treating illnesses, ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests, prescribing medications (including controlled substances), admitting, treating and discharging patients from hospital, performing medical procedures, and making referrals to specialists.

In addition, NPs are also trained to provide health promotion and disease prevention services, such as counseling patients on lifestyle modifications, and educating patients and their families on managing their health conditions. NPs are an important part of the healthcare team, providing high-quality, accessible, and patient-centered care to help improve the health outcomes of their patients.