What is a Nurse Practitioner?
In our last newsletter we introduced you to two new members of staff, Nurse
Practitioners Juliet Clegg and Julie Parsons and we are happy to report that with
their wide range of skills and expertise they are proving to be a great asset to
the Medical Team.
As many patients have asked, “What is a Nurse Practitioner?” so we have set out
a detailed explanation below.
Advanced Nurse Practitioners
are registered nurses who have completed
specific advanced nursing education and training in the diagnosis and management of
common as well as complex medical conditions. Nurse Practitioners are generally
licensed through nursing boards rather than medical boards. Nurse Practitioners provide
a broad range of health care services. Treating both acute and chronic conditions through
comprehensive history taking, physical exams, physical therapy, ordering tests and
therapies for patients, within their scope of practice. NPs can serve as a patient's "point
of entry" Duty Practitioner, and see patients of all ages depending on their designated
scope of practice.
Advanced Nurse Practitioners working in primary care have a wide range of skills, a broad
knowledge-base and the ability to deliver high levels of specific care. At times these will
need to be supplemented by the skills of specialist health professional in both primary
and secondary care, and include a range of diagnostic and screening services.
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Make professionally autonomous decisions, for which he or she is accountable.
Receives patients with undifferentiated and undiagnosed problems and makes
an assessment of their health care needs, based on highly developed
knowledge and skills, including skills not usually exercised by nurses.
Makes differential diagnosis using decision-making and problem solving skills.
Orders necessary investigations, and provides treatment and care both
individually, as part of a team, and through referral to other agencies.
Prescribes medication for acute and chronic problems.
Develops with patient an ongoing plan of care for health, with an emphasis on
preventative measures.
Provides counselling and health promotion
Has authority to admit or discharge from caseload, and refer and admit to
other health professionals or establishments.
Works collaboratively with other health care professionals and
disciplines.
Provides leadership and consultancy function as required.