Nurse Practitioner

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In today’s world a big debate that families debate between and spend time trying to research is what the best possible options are for their children and spouses health care. A question often asked is if seeing a nurse practitioner is just as effective and safe as seeing a doctor. Many parents worry if their child will get the full attention needed when seeing a nurse practitioner. Nurse practitioners have the training and time to give children and their families the support and care necessary (Should My Child See a NP 2). A nurse practitioner is a registered nurse who is highly educated and has gone through clinical training in their health care specialty areas (Pediatrician v NP 1). In order for them to practice they must have four to six years of training and pass all their licensing exams to practice (Quality of Care 1). For students to become a prepared registered nurse they must complete an additional master’s level training on top of their baccalaureate prepared classes (Duties and Responsibilities 1). In order for someone to even prepare to go into the field of nurse practitioners a high school student should take challenging classes in English, Math, and Science (Duties and Responsibilities 1).

Many nurse practitioners work side by side with a licensed doctor, but that is not always the case. The career of being a nurse practitioner began back in the 1960s (Pediatrician v NP 1). There was a huge shortage of physicians and I need for care to people under served (Pediatrician v NP 1). Nurse practitioners work in manly rural and urban settings such as public health departments, community health centers, hospitals, physicians' offices, nursing homes, HMOs, student health clinics, and home health agencies. Where state law pe...

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...e practitioners provide nursing and medical services to not only families, but individuals and groups as well, emphasizing health promotion and disease prevention (Pediatrician v NP 1). Something they also provide for families, individuals and groups is teaching and counseling (NP Services 1). If necessary your nurse can provide you with prescription of pharmacologic agents and treatments. They can also provide non-pharmacologic therapies (NP Services 1).

Even though nurse practitioners are a very good idea in many cases it is still very important to have a regular doctor that you can see in certain situations. Nurse practitioners are a great alternative for routine check ups minor visits when sometimes seeing your doctor is hard to do. You can be assured that with a nurse practitioner you will be tended for while receiving a warm and welcoming visit each time.

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