what is an np

A nurse practitioner (NP) is a nurse with a graduate-level degree of education and advanced clinical training beyond their initial professional registered nurse (RN) preparation. NPs can perform many of the same services that doctors provide, such as diagnosing and treating health conditions, prescribing medication, ordering laboratory tests and procedures, and coordinating referrals. They focus on disease prevention, living a healthy lifestyle, and understanding patients health concerns. NPs can serve as primary care providers or as specialty care providers focusing on a specific group of people. They work in a variety of healthcare settings, including physicians' offices, clinics, hospitals, emergency rooms, and more. NPs are licensed in all states and the District of Columbia, and they practice under the rules and regulations of the state in which they are licensed. They provide high-quality care in rural, urban, and suburban communities and in many types of settings.