Why aren't we producing and employing "hoards" of Nurse Practitioner in Canada to cover speciality practice areas such as anesthesia (the vast majority of all anesthesia in USA is administered by NP's), Family Practice etc. What a great complement to extend the health and medical services. Nurse practitioners are vastly under utilized and underemployed in Canada due to "turf" resistance from Doctors.
Imagine this: your child's fever is soaring, but the doctor's schedule is completely booked. The receptionist tells you that a nurse practitioner is available to see your child. Although you don't know much about nurse practitioners, you set up an appointment.
This is the way many parents have discovered that nurse practitioners (NPs) provide excellent care for their infants, children, and teenagers. Recent studies show that in some respects, these trained specialists deliver the same — or better — care as medical doctors.
This is the way many parents have discovered that nurse practitioners (NPs) provide excellent care for their infants, children, and teenagers. Recent studies show that in some respects, these trained specialists deliver the same — or better — care as medical doctors.
Here is how NP's practice in the USA:
More About Nurse PractitionersNPs take health histories and provide complete physical examinations, diagnose and treat many common acute and chronic problems, interpret laboratory results and X-rays, prescribe and manage medications and other therapies, provide health teaching and counseling to support healthy lifestyle behaviors and prevent illness, and refer patients to other health professionals as needed.
An NP provides high-quality, cost-effective and individualized care for patients, families and communities. NPs are authorized to practice across the nation and have privileges to prescribe medications, in varying degrees in all 50 states.
What's an NP?
An NP provides high-quality, cost-effective and individualized care for patients, families and communities. NPs are authorized to practice across the nation and have privileges to prescribe medications, in varying degrees in all 50 states.
What's an NP?
A nurse practitioner is a registered nurse (RN) who has additional education and training in a specialty area such as family practice or pediatrics.
Nurse practitioners (also referred to as advanced practice nurses, or APNs) have a master's degree in nursing (MS or MSN) and board certification in their specialty. For example, a pediatric NP has advanced education, skills, and training in caring for infants, children, and teens.
Licensed as nurse practitioners and registered nurses, NPs follow the rules and regulations of the Nurse Practice Act of the state where they work. If accredited through the national board exam, the NP will have an additional credential such as Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (CPNP) or Certified Family Nurse Practitioner (CFNP).
Pediatric and family practice NPs can provide regular health care for kids. An NP who specializes in pediatrics can:
document health history and perform a physical exam
plan a child's care with parents and the child's health care team
perform some tests and procedures
answer questions about health problems
treat common childhood illnesses
change the plan of care with a child's doctor as needed
teach families about the effects of illness on a child's growth and development
teach kids about self-care and healthy lifestyle choices
write prescriptions
order medical tests
teach other health care members and local groups about child health care
provide referrals to community groups
NPs and Doctors
NPs work closely with doctors to provide individualized care for their patients. NPs are licensed in all 50 states, and can dispense most medications. A few states require a doctor to co-sign prescriptions.
Although doctors have additional training to help patients deal with complex medical problems, many people think NPs may spend more time with their patients. Experts who study NPs report that their training emphasizes disease prevention, reduction of health risks, and thorough patient education.
Like doctors, NPs are involved in more than just direct patient care. Many participate in education, research, and legislative activities to improve the quality of health care in the United States.
document health history and perform a physical exam
plan a child's care with parents and the child's health care team
perform some tests and procedures
answer questions about health problems
treat common childhood illnesses
change the plan of care with a child's doctor as needed
teach families about the effects of illness on a child's growth and development
teach kids about self-care and healthy lifestyle choices
write prescriptions
order medical tests
teach other health care members and local groups about child health care
provide referrals to community groups
NPs and Doctors
NPs work closely with doctors to provide individualized care for their patients. NPs are licensed in all 50 states, and can dispense most medications. A few states require a doctor to co-sign prescriptions.
Although doctors have additional training to help patients deal with complex medical problems, many people think NPs may spend more time with their patients. Experts who study NPs report that their training emphasizes disease prevention, reduction of health risks, and thorough patient education.
Like doctors, NPs are involved in more than just direct patient care. Many participate in education, research, and legislative activities to improve the quality of health care in the United States.
Should My Child See a Nurse Practitioner?
Pediatric NPs are capable of delivering much of the health care that kids require, consulting doctors and specialists when necessary. Educating the child and the family about the normal growth and development issues that arise in childhood (i.e., toilet training, temper tantrums, and biting) is a large part of the pediatric NP's role. They also take the time to talk to families about issues that might be considered routine, but that can make the difference between a pleasant office visit and one that's stressful.
Pediatric and family practice NPs can treat acute (or short-term) illnesses such as upper respiratory infections, ear infections, rashes, and urinary tract infections. They can also assist with management of chronic illnesses such as asthma, allergies, diabetes, and many others that affect children.
Pediatric and family practice NPs can treat acute (or short-term) illnesses such as upper respiratory infections, ear infections, rashes, and urinary tract infections. They can also assist with management of chronic illnesses such as asthma, allergies, diabetes, and many others that affect children.
If your child has severe health problems that require advanced training or highly specialized medical care, you may need to seek the care of a doctor. If you're unsure about your child's specific illness and want to know if an NP can help, ask your doctor. The scope of an NP's practice depends upon your state's regulations.
If you want to verify an NP's credentials, check with the American College of Nurse Practitioners (ACNP). It's also a good idea to ask NPs about their specific qualifications, education, and training, just as you would interview a prospective doctor for your child.
Also be sure to check with your health insurance provider to ensure that services provided by NPs are covered through your policy.
Also be sure to check with your health insurance provider to ensure that services provided by NPs are covered through your policy.
In addition, many doctors share office space with NPs to provide all types of primary care. Other doctors work with NPs to offer them training in different types of health care. Your doctor might already have such an arrangement in place, so just ask.
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