 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Nurse practitioners (NP's) are registered nurses with advanced academic and clinical experience. Nurse practitioners are educated through programs that grant either a certificate or a master's degree in nursing. Through this advanced training, nurse practitioners are able to diagnose and manage most common and many chronic illnesses, either
either independently or as part of a health care team. All nurse practitioners must pass a national examination to become Board Certified in their specialty. There are many different areas that nurse practitioners specialize in during their academic and clinical training. These specialties include adult medicine, acute care, geriatrics, pediatrics, psychiatric/mental health, family practice, and women’s health. After a nurse practitioner becomes Board Certified, he or she may then choose to specialize further such as in orthopaedic surgery.
The scope of a nurse practitioner's practice will vary depending on each state's individual regulations. Nurse practitioners must attain a required number of continuing education credits each year to maintain their certification. NP’s have been providing safe, cost-effective, quality care for over forty years.
What is a Physician Assistant
Physician Assistants (PA's) are licensed professionals who practice medicine under physician supervision. They work in many different medical and surgical settings. Individuals entering a physician assistant program typically have an undergraduate bachelor's degree as well as prior healthcare experience before entering PA training. PA's conduct physical exams, diagnose and treat illnesses, order and interpret tests, counsel on preventive care, assist in surgery, and in most states write prescriptions
Physician Assistants must pass a National
Certification exam, and retake this exam every six years. They must also attain
continuing medical credits every two years to maintain certification.
What is a Clinical Nurse Specialist?
A Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) is a Masters prepared
Registered Nurse. A Clinical Nurse Specialist typically specializes in a particular
area, such as Orthopaedics. The CNS promotes competent and compassionate care
for patients and their families in the specialized area. Their role includes
direct patient care, as well as teaching and mentoring nursing students and
staff, consultation and research.
What is a Nurse Manager?
A Nurse Manager is a Registered Nurse with a Master's degree. In addition, they may have other Board Certifications in their specialty. Nurse managers are responsible for the daily management of patient care, nursing and support staff activities, and the overall operating functions of the patient care units assigned to them. The role is an essential leadership position in the hospital organization. They focus on high quality patient care, personnel management and development, business administration of the patient care units, and facilitates collaborative relationships with physicians and other services.
What do Nurse Practitioners and Physician Assistants Do?
Your Advanced Practitioner has the knowledge, training, and experience to
provide any of the following:
1. Obtain a medical history
2. Perform physical examinations
3. Order and interpret diagnostic tests
4. Diagnose and treat illnesses
5. Prescribe medications
6. Monitor your health status or response to treatment
7. Perform various medical procedures
8. Teach, counsel, and assist you regarding your disease (both physical and
emotional), surgical procedure, hospital stay, recovery, and rehabilitation
9. Collaborate with your primary care provider, as well as other health care
providers involved in your care
10. Refer you to other specialists when necessary
11. Assist your surgeon in the Operating Room