A nurse practitioner (APRN) is a registered nurse (RN) who has advanced education and clinical training in a health care specialty area. Nurse practitioners work with people of all ages and their families, providing information people need to make informed decisions about their health care and lifestyle choices. Nurse Practitioners practice under the rules and regulations of the Nurse Practice Act of the state in which they work. Most nurse practitioners are also nationally certified in their specialty area. They are recognized as expert health care providers. Nurse practitioners may be found in all 50 states.

Research studies since 1965 have documented that Nurse practitioners provide:

• High quality care
• A unique approach to health care
• Care that results in a high level of patient satisfaction
• Cost-effective care

Nurse practitioners may serve as the regular health care provider for children and adults during health and illness. 

In order to provide complete health care, Nurse Practitioners:

• Obtain medical histories and perform physical examinations
• Diagnose and treat acute health problems such as infections and injuries
• Diagnose, treat, and monitor chronic diseases such as diabetes and high blood pressure
• Order, perform, and interpret diagnostic studies such as lab work and x-rays
• Prescribe medications and other treatments
• Provide prenatal care and family planning services
• Provide well-child care, including screening and immunizations
• Provide health maintenance care for adults, including annual physicals
• Promote positive health behaviors and self-care skills through education and counseling
• Collaborate with physicians and other health professionals as needed

Nurse Practitioners are health professionals who:

• Provide individualized care, focusing not only on health problems, but also on the effects health problems have on people and their families.
• Explain the details of health problems, medications, and other topics to help people fully understand how to take care of themselves
• Ask about people's worries and concerns about their health and their health care
• Emphasize wellness and self-care by giving people the information they need to make healthy lifestyle choices and health care decisions

Nurse Practitioners do more than patient care. Many nurse practitioners are also actively involved in education, research, and legislative activities to promote quality health care for all people in the United States.

Where do Nurse Practitioners Work?

Nurse Practitioners work in both rural and urban settings, such as:

• Physician Offices
• Hospitals and Hospital Clinics
• School and College Student Health Clinics
• Business and Industry Employee Health Offices
• Nurse Practitioner Offices
• Nursing Homes and Hospices
• Home Health Agencies
• The Armed Forces and VA Facilities