Nurse practitioners are responsible for a lot of things when it comes to patient care. However, a lot of people aren’t sure what they do. With so many different medical professionals, it can be helpful to know exactly what a nurse practitioner does. In this article, we highlight three things to know about these types of nurses. They aren’t normal registered nurses, but they also aren’t physicians either. Find out more by reading below!
Three things to know about nurse practitioners
Nurse practitioners play a very important role in healthcare. It is important to be aware of what they do and who they are. Read on to find out more!
#1 They have more responsibility than an RN
A lot of people are under the impression that a nurse practitioner is the same thing as a registered nurse or RN. However, this isn’t true! They actually have a lot more responsibility than a registered nurse does. A nurse practitioner is an advanced registered nurse that undergoes additional training and certification.
The responsibility of a nurse practitioner involves more in-depth patient care. They can examine and diagnose patients for minor medical conditions, as well as prescribe medications to help treat the illness or disease. In simpler terms, a nurse practitioner’s responsibilities include a combination of what a registered nurse and physician does.
#2 Nurse practitioners undergo a lot of training
It is really important to understand the difference between a nurse practitioner and a registered nurse. One of the main differences is that practitioners undergo a lot more training than an RN does. They are required to get a Bachelor’s or Doctorate degree in order to further advance their education.
Aside from the educational side of things, nurse practitioners also must declare a specialty that they wish to train in. They are required to do this prior to entering nursing school so that they can receive the appropriate training.
#3 You can see them if you’re sick
It’s normal to think that a doctor has to be the one to diagnose a patient if they are sick, but nurse practitioners can provide healthcare without a doctor! When a patient is feeling under the weather, they can visit their local nurse practitioner and receive just as good of care.
Nurse practitioners can examine, diagnose and treat patients in a primary care environment. They have the ability to write prescriptions and perform general healthcare advice and treatment. If it’s a very serious illness or concern then a visit to the nurse practitioner won’t hurt. They can always refer you to a doctor or the necessary specialist.
Get started today!
Are you interested in learning more about nurse practitioners? We can help you. Whether you’re curious about what they do or you’re in need of an appointment, we are available to assist. Give us a call or stop by our office!
Request an appointment here: https://mb.futurepsychsolutions.com or call Future Psych Ketamine Clinics at (843) 788-9718 for an appointment in our Myrtle Beach office.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Nurse Practitioner in Myrtle Beach, SC.
Related Posts
Though attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, can not be cured, ADHD treatment is available to help those living with the disorder effectively manage it. If you, a child, or another loved one has recently been diagnosed, you will likely have many questions. Our practice helps adults and children struggling with the disorder overcome its…
Adult ADHD therapy offers several avenues of support for individuals navigating attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in adulthood. While behavioral interventions can be effective, many patients benefit most from a combination of therapeutic support and medication. Determining when medication is appropriate requires a comprehensive understanding of symptom severity, daily functioning, and coexisting mental health conditions.Psychiatrists assess these factors…
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) can manifest in children as early as three years old. As a parent, finding the right ADHD treatment for your child can be overwhelming and challenging. There are multiple treatments available, each with its benefits and limitations. With the help of a psychiatrist, parents can help curate an effective treatment plan for…
Mood disorders such as depression and bipolar disorder often require structured medication management to help stabilize symptoms and improve daily function. Medication management involves psychiatric professionals carefully selecting, monitoring, and adjusting pharmacological treatments to achieve the best possible outcomes while reducing potential side effects. This process ensures that individuals receive psychiatric care tailored to their…