What is a NP?
A Nurse Practitioner is a registered nurse (RN) who has advanced education in nursing and clinical training and experience in a health care specialty. Health promotion and disease prevention are the cornerstones of Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner (ARNP) practice. ARNPs work with people of all ages and their families, providing information needed to make informed decisions about their health care and lifestyle choices. Since 1965, research studies have documented that ARNPs provide high quality, cost-effective care that results in a high level of patient satisfaction.
ARNPs in Florida are licensed by the state and follow the rules and regulations set forth under the Florida Nurse Practice Act. Virtually all ARNP's have earned a Master's degree and many are nationally certified in their specialty areas such as:
- Adult
- Family
- Psychiatric/Mental Health
- Women's Health
- Geriatric Health
- Pediatric/Child
- Midwifery
ARNPs serve as the regular health care provider for children and adults during health and illness who:
- Obtain medical histories and perform physical examinations
- Diagnose and treat acute health problems
- Diagnose, treat and monitor chronic disease
- Ordering, perform and interpret diagnostic studies
- Prescribe medications and other treatments
- Provide health maintenance care
- Provide prenatal and family planning services
- Promote positive health behaviors and self-care skills though education and counseling
- Collaborate with physicians and other health professionals as needed
ARNPs, in addition to direct patient care, are also actively involved in education, research and legislative activities to promote quality health care for Floridians and all people in the U.S.
