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What is a Nurse Practitioner?

As defined by the California Association of Nurse Practitioners

Education, Experience, Expertise

A nurse practitioner, often called an “NP” for short, is an advanced practice registered nurse who has completed graduate level education such as a master’s or a doctoral degree. All NPs in California are registered nurses licensed by the California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN) who have completed additional education and training, and have an expanded scope of practice over the traditional registered nurse role.

Components of Practice

Diagnosing, treating, evaluating and managing acute and chronic illness and disease (e.g., diabetes, high blood pressure)

Obtaining medical histories and conducting physical examinations

Ordering, performing and interpreting diagnostic studies (e.g., routine lab tests, x-rays, EKGs)

Prescribing physical therapy and other rehabilitation treatments

Prescribing and furnishing medications for acute and chronic illness

Providing prenatal care and family planning services

Providing child wellness care, including screening and immunizations

Providing primary, specialty and health maintenance care for adults, including annual physicals and certifying disability

Providing care for patients in acute and critical care settings

Performing or assisting in minor surgeries and procedures (e.g., dermatological biopsies, suturing, casting)

Counseling and educating patients on health behaviors, self-care skills and treatment options

To become licensed to practice in California, NPs must complete an accredited NP program and be certified by the BRN. NPs specialize in many areas, including:

Acute Care

Adult Health

Emergency Services

Family Health

Gerontology

Neonatal Health

Oncology

Pediatric/Child Health

Psychiatric/Mental Health

Women’s Health

NP training programs were first developed over 50 years ago due to a shortage of physicians. State governments sought innovative ways to meet the growing demand for primary health care services. Out of that demand, the NP profession has grown to fill an important and vital role in America’s health care system. Working hand-in-hand with other licensed health care professionals, NPs improve the responsiveness and efficiency of our health care system. Because of their focus on primary care, disease prevention and counseling, NPs serve as exclusive providers of primary care for many families. There are more than 30,000 NPs in California and more than 290,000 practicing NPs nationwide. Nearly 20,000 new NPs are trained each year at over 350 colleges and universities.

Where You May Find an NP

Community clinics, health centers, urgent care centers

Home health care agencies

Hospitals and hospital clinics

Hospice care

Skilled nursing facilities

Medical groups and private health care practices

Public health departments

School/college clinics

Veterans Administration facilities

Emergency room settings