| A Nurse Practitioner (NP) is a primary care provider who practices in ambulatory, acute, and long-term care settings. According to their practice specialty, NPs provide nursing and medical services to individuals, families, and groups. In addition to diagnosing and managing acute episodic and chronic illnesses, NPs emphasize health promotion and disease prevention. NPs are often responsible for ordering, conducting, and interpreting diagnostic and laboratory tests, and for prescription of pharmacologic agents and pharmacologic therapies. Teaching and counseling individuals, families, and groups is also a major part of a Nurse Practitioner’s practice. |