Striving for a Healthy Island.

Nurse Practitioners are experienced registered nurses (RNs) with a masters degree in nursing. They have had specialized education to prepare them to work in clinics, hospitals, and other health care agencies. Nurse practitioners can specialize in the care of persons with children, adults, or the elderly. They may also specialize in specific types of care such as mental health or women's health. Many nurse practitioners that practice in rural areas are family nurse practitioners or adult nurse practitioners.

 Role of Nurse Practitioners

The responsibilities of a nurse practitioner include conducting physical examinations and other health assessments plus diagnosing and treating common health problems. They also prescribe treatments and/or medicines for managing health problems, along with ordering and interpreting diagnostic studies.

Nurse practitioners are involved in managing the care of individuals with chronic illness such as diabetes and providing health education for individuals and groups. They also promote wellness, provide holistic health care, which includes the physical, emotional, and spiritual, and promote the ability to care for oneself when ill. They also counsel individuals and families and educate individuals, families, and groups regarding their illness, lifestyle changes, and their treatment plan.

 Education Requirements

To become a nurse practitioner, a registered nurse must obtain a masters degree in nursing. In the program, the nurse learns the advanced skills needed to carry out the duties of a nurse practitioner.

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