A nurse practitioner works with other health care providers as part of this collaborative family practice team. Nurse practitioners are registered nurses with advanced knowledge and education in primary health care.
A nurse practitioner can:
- Diagnose and treat health issues, such as asthma, COPD, diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, and other ongoing health conditions.
- Order and interpret tests, including blood tests, X-rays, ultrasounds, and MRIs.
- Prescribe medications.
- Perform exams and procedures, such as pap tests, prostate exams, and immunizations.
- Provide health screening clinics such as well-baby, well-women, and well-men.
- Teach you how to manage an ongoing health condition, and offer ways to lead a healthy life.
- Focus on how your physical and mental health affects your life and family.
- Refer you to a specialist or other health care provider, if needed.
Adapted from the College of Registered Nurses of Nova Scotia and the Canadian Nurses Association.