WHAT IS A
NURSE PRACTITIONER?
Nurse Practitioners (NP) are registered nurses who have additional education and nursing experience.
NPs are authorized under legislation and regulations to independently:
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Complete a comprehensive health history and assessment;
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Formulate and communicate a diagnosis, taking a differential diagnosis into consideration;
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Prescribe all medications including controlled drugs and substances;
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Dispense, sell, and compound medications;
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Set and cast fractures and dislocated joints;
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Order and interpret all laboratory tests;
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Admit, treat and discharge patients from hospitals;
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Order some diagnostic imaging tests;
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Consult with and refer directly to specialists.
Nurse Practitioners work together with, rather than replace, other health-care providers. They are part of a team and collaborate with registered nurses, doctors, social workers, pharmacists, dietitians, and others to provide exceptional patient-centered care.
Facts about NP's
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NPs are a hybrid healthcare provider that have the knowledge and skills of both nursing and medicine.
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NPs are Master's prepared and have undergone 7 years of post-graduate education which includes a 4-year undergraduate nursing degree from a university and then a 3 year master of nursing and NP program. Prior to entering the NP program Registered Nurses (RNs) are required to work for a minimum of two years before applying to the program.
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NPs can specialize in either pediatrics, primary care or adult care.
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NPs are required to pass a licensing exam.
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NP practice is regulated by the Saskatchewan Registered Nursing Association (SRNA).
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NPs are not paid in the same way as most physicians. NPs do not bill the government for the services they provide.
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The majority of NPs are paid by salary, however, NPs may bill patients directly for medical services as well as non-health care services such as sick notes.
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NPs bridge the gap in the healthcare system by improving access and reducing pressures on an overwhelmed healthcare system.
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NPs are the most researched medical profession and research has found that NPs consistently provide high quality, cost-effective care when compared to their physician colleagues.
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NPs work independently and in collaboration with many healthcare providers including physicians. NPs are not supervised by a physician.
Nurse Practitioner
/ners prak-tish-uh-ner/
* Noun
Patient, kind, empathetic, compassionate professional of the healing arts, equally equipped to fights illness & disease, a super nurse.
Affiliations:
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