What it means
One of the four kinds of advanced practice registered nurse (APRN), with a master's or doctoral degree and national certification in an area such as family, adult-gerontology, pediatrics, women's health or psychiatric-mental health. Nurse practitioners take histories, examine, order and read tests, diagnose and prescribe medicines. How independently they work depends on each state's laws.
For the nurse
A nurse practitioner is a health care provider: a nurse can take and carry out their orders and report findings to them as to a physician.
At a glance
| Abbreviations | NP; APRN (advanced practice registered nurse) |
|---|---|
| Spanish | enfermero practicante, enfermera de práctica avanzada |
| Also written | nurse practitioners |
Related terms
registered nurse
A nurse who has passed the NCLEX-RN and holds a state license to practice as an RN.
health care provider
The licensed professional who diagnoses and prescribes for a client, such as a physician, nurse practitioner or physician assistant.
case management
The coordination of a client's care and services across settings and providers by one assigned professional.