Despite being healthcare providers for over 50 years, the role of nurse practitioners (NPs) is not well understood and their value is often overlooked. The first Nurse Practitioner program was developed right here at our very own University of Colorado in 1965! So what exactly is an NP and what do they do? NPs are just one of the roles in Advanced practice nursing (APN). An APN is a registered nurse with a graduate degree (master’s or doctorate) which requires additional education in advanced pharmacology, pathophysiology, and healthcare policy and advanced clinical training in a specific specialty or population. APN certification began in 1981 and requires passing a national certification exam and ongoing continuing education credits. APN roles include certified registered nurse anesthetist, certified nurse-midwife, clinical nurse specialist, and certified nurse practitioners. Within each, there are 10 different specialties ranging from Family Nurse Practitioner to Emergency Nurse Practitioner including Psychiatric-Mental Health NP, Adult and Pediatric Primary and Acute Care NPs, and women’s health and neonatal NPs. Nurse practitioners can work in a wide range of settings, including hospitals, clinics, community health centers, and private practices. Scopes of practice vary by state, and NPs practice independently in thirty states including Colorado. Other states require varying degrees of physician supervision.

NPs and doctors perform similar day-to-day activities, including prescribing medications, diagnosing patients, and ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests. The main difference is the theories behind their education. Doctors are trained according to the medical model of care which focuses on the disease process and treating/curing the disease, while the nursing model applies a more comprehensive approach, considering how the disease or illness affects the patient’s life within the context of their social circumstances and surroundings. NPs emphasize patient education to prevent illness and promote a healthier lifestyle. They provide patient-centered care including mental, physical, and emotional factors.

There are many benefits to seeing a nurse practitioner for both primary and specialty care. They help increase access to healthcare, especially in rural and underserved communities. NPs are specifically suited to meet the needs of aging populations with in-depth training in the care of older adults with chronic medical conditions such as dementia, arthritis, and heart disease. They provide comprehensive care across the life span and are advocates for their patients, empowering them to take an active role in their healthcare. Next time you need to make an appointment, tap into the abundance of resources nurse practitioners have to offer. Experience skills of a doctor with the heart of a nurse!