FREE ESSAY ON NURSING

NURSING

What is a Nurse Practitioner?
A nurse practitioner 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
Cost-effective care
A unique approach to health care
Care that results in a high level of patient satisfaction
Nurse practitioners 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 do more than direct 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.
What are the specialty areas of Nurse Practitioners?
Nurse Practitioners provide primary health care in a number of specialty areas, such as:
Acute Care 
Adult 
Emergency 
Family Practice 
Gerontologic/Elder Health 
Neonatal/Perinatal 
Occupational Health 
Oncology 
Pediatric/Child Health 
Psychiatric/Mental Health 
School/College Health 
Women's Health 
Where do Nurse Practitioners Work?
In an effort to make health care available to as many people as possible. Nurse
Practitioners work in both rural and urban
settings, such as:
Community Health Centers 
Public Health Departments 
Hospitals and Hospital Clinics 
School and College Student Health Clinics 
Business and Industry Employee Health Settings 
Physician Offices 
Nurse Practitioner Offices 
Health Maintenance Organizations 
Nursing Homes and Hospices 
Home Health Agencies 
The Armed Forces and Veteran's Administration Facilities 
Schools of Nursing 
Why Choose a Nurse Practitioner?
More and more people are choosing Nurse Practitioners for their regular health care
provider because 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
Charge competitive fees which are covered by health insurance programs