A nurse practitioner (NP) is a registered professional nurse with advanced education and clinical training in a health care specialty area.
Nurse practitioners work with people of all ages and their families, providing information people need to make informed decisions about their health care and lifestyle choices. Nurse practitioners evaluate the health status of patients through history taking, physical examination and evaluation of laboratory tests. They provide comprehensive health care wellness evaluations as well as assess and manage acute minor illnesses and refer patients to physicians and other health care providers when necessary. The nurse practitioner prescribes medicines and other therapies when it is appropriate. The physician remains ultimately responsible for your health care. Through the nurse practitioner your doctor can be more responsive to your individual needs. Most nurse practitioners have had at least 8 years of education and clinical practice before they take their first job. All of them had been practicing as registered nurses before they went back to school for their advanced education.
Nurse Practitioners are an integral part of the health care team. They practice in a collaborative relationship with our physician colleagues, diagnosing and treating both acute and chronic illnesses. They are able to prescribe medications, order, perform and interpret diagnostic studies and lab work, provide immunizations, perform physical exams, check ups and promote health seeking behavior and wellness. They counsel, educate, teach and treat individuals and families about their total health care needs. As professional health care specialists, they bring years of nursing experience and education to the care of each individual and family. There are more than 8,600 Nurse Practitioners certified to practice in New York State and some of the very best are here at the Thompson Health Family Practices as integral members of your health care team. Nurse Practitioners have been in practice with the Thompson Family Practices for over 7 years. * FNP stands for Family Nurse Practitioner due to their specialty in family medicine.