November 8 – 14, 2015 is Nurse Practitioners Week:
In recent years, you may have heard more about nurse practitioners and many wonder what exactly is a nurse practitioner. As a nurse practitioner, I can help explain what we do in a little more detail.
WHAT WE DO
A nurse practitioner is a registered nurse who has completed graduate-level education and advanced practice training. Nurse practitioners can see many different patients, just like a physician does. They see both well and sick, and perform many in-office procedures. They can prescribe medication, order and interpret test results. They can make rounds at hospitals as well as admit and discharge patients.
WHY A NURSE PRACTITIONER
Nurse practitioners take a holistic approach with patients, emphasizing comprehensive, patient-centered care.
Northwest Health Services is a patient-centered medical home. Nurse practitioners at Northwest participate in coordination of care with physicians, behavioral health provider, dentists and dental hygienists, and care managers to improve health, whether it is physical (the flu, a cavity, weight-management etc.) or behavioral (pain-management, smoking cessation plans).
Not only do Nurse practitioners have high levels of patient satisfaction, they also could fill the growing primary care shortage. If you see a nurse practitioner this week, show them your appreciation for their contribution to excellent care.
If you want to come to Family Medicine Associates, we have several great nurse practitioners who would love to care for you. Call us and schedule an appointment
Sarah Knorr, DNP, FNP-C is a Family Nurse Practitioner with her Doctorate in nursing practice. Sarah sees patients daily at Family Medicine Associates and writes blogs for Northwest Health Services.
Northwest Health Nurse Practitioners:
