What Are The Core Responsibilities Of A Nurse Practitioner?

By Author: J.J. Yong
Total Articles: 963
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In medical industry, nurse practitioners are known as professionals who provide high quality healthcare services like what doctors do. In certain states in United States, this group of personnel is required to work under the supervision of physicians or doctors. However, some other states allow them to carry out their tasks independently.

Many people do not have any idea about what they do. They always think that nurse practitioners are normal nurses. In fact, it is totally wrong. The practitioners possess higher academic qualifications than normal nurses. They are required to meet more rigorous licensing requirements and more stringent continuing education requirements before they can start their career in this line. Moreover, most of the practitioners are required to gain at least one year practical experience as a registered nurse.

Let's take a closer look on their major duties. The daily activities of these qualified practitioners include:

1) Assisting the patients to take blood pressure, pulse and temperature and recording the physical findings

2) Monitoring the conditions of the patients

3) ...
... Carrying out examinations and preventive health measures

4) Preparing patients for surgeries and wound treatments

5) Performing minor operations independently

6) Assisting doctors or physicians in major surgeries or complicated medical procedures

7) Preparing care plans for patients under the supervision of doctors

8) Interpreting and evaluating individuals' health care requirements

9) Writing prescriptions (allowable in certain states in US)

10)Preparing patients' progress reports to the physicians on consistent basis

11)Communicating with patients closely and emphasizing on disease prevention

Being a qualified practitioner, one is required to be competent in delivering excellent health care to patients of all ages. In order to perform the daily tasks successfully, learning new knowledge and techniques is essential in today's fast changing world.
For more information about nurse practitioner job and nurse practitioner facts, visit NursePractitionerCareer.com.