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What is an NP?

A Nurse Practitioner is a registered nurse who has advanced education and clinical training in a health care specialty. Most Nurse Practitioners have national certification in their area of expertise. Nurse Practitioners serve as primary health care providers for children and adults during health and illness. Their goal is to help people of all ages stay as healthy as possible. They do this by teaching people and treating their acute illnesses (such as infections) and chronic disease (such as diabetes).

What can a Nurse Practitioner do?

Can Nurse Practitioners prescribe medications?

Yes. How a Nurse Practitioner prescribes medications is regulated by each state's Nurse Practice Act. In Idaho, Nurse Practitioners have full prescriptive authority through Idaho Board of Pharmacy. They do not need written agreements with a collaborating physician.

Why Choose a Nurse Practitioner?

Nurse Practitioners are also trained to promote health and prevent disease through comprehensive health care and education. More and more people are choosing a Nurse Practitioner for their regular health care provider because Nurse Practitioners are highly trained health professionals who:

• Take time to listen to you and your family's worries and concerns
• Explain the details of health problems, medications, and other topics to help you understand how to take care of yourself
• Provide individualized care
• Work in collaboration with physicians and other health professionals to insure that you receive the best possible health care
• Care about you, your health, your family, and the community you live in
• Treat you when you are sick
• Teach you how to care for yourself when ill and how to stay healthy

For more information about Nurse Practitioners please visit the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) website