Updated November 13, 2023
Happy Nurse Practitioner Week 2023 to all the amazing NPs out there! I love working with NPs and I appreciate for the care you your patients and those who work with you. Thank you for all you do!!
What is a Nurse Practitioner?
A nurse practitioner or “NP” is an advance practice registered nurse that has completed a masters or doctoral degree. They have advanced clinical training to perform and interpret diagnostic tests; diagnose and treat acute and chronic conditions; prescribe medications; and help patients make healthier lifestyle choices. They provide care in many clinical areas including primary care, acute care, and long term care settings. Studies have shown that NPs provide equivalent care to physicians with higher patient satisfaction rates.
What is NP Week?
National Nurse Practitioner Week is held annually to celebrate the exceptional care that NPs provide and to showcase the importance of removing outdated barriers to practice so NPs can practice to the full extent of their experience and education. Take this week to acknowledge the NPs you know and work with and thank them for the amazing care and collaboration they are a part of!
A Few NP Facts:
- 81% of full time NPs are seeing Medicare patients, 78% are seeing Medicaid patients.
- 88.9% of NPs are certified in primary care, and 70.2% are delivering primary care.
- 96.2% of NPs prescribe medications, and those in full-time practice write an average of 21 prescriptions per day
- 26 states, the District of Columbia and two U.S.territories have adopted Full Practice Authority, giving patients full and direct access to NPs.
I personally see NPs as my primary care providers and I love them! They always take the time to listen and explain things and for that I am so thankful. NPs are an integral part of the healthcare team and we are doing a disservice to our patients and community by not giving them full practice authority in every state. NPs are filling the gaps in areas like primary care where there is a shortage of physicians. Creating a new healthcare system that utilizes NPs to their full practice ability who collaborate with physicians and other members of the healthcare team would help increase the quality and accessibility of healthcare in our country immensely.
Thank you for everything you do for your patients and community. Your knowledge, skills, and collaboration are very much appreciated.