They obtain health histories, perform physical examinations, monitor patients with chronic diseases, order and interpret lab tests and x-rays as needed, and provide health maintenance for children and adults. Nurse practitioners also provide prenatal care and family planning. They recommend medications and areas of treatment, and in many states are allowed to prescribe medications. Nurse practitioners collaborate with physicians and other health professionals to achieve complete health care for the patient. While they refer patients to physicians when indicated, nurse practitioners also may practice independently through a written protocol or document established with their collaborative physician.
Nurse practitioners are also educators, researchers, case managers, and patient advocates.
The job outlook is good as nurse practitioners provide very thorough and cost-effective health care, sometimes in place of a physician. Work Environment Nurse practitioners work in rural and urban settings such as public health departments, community health centers, hospitals, physicians' offices, nursing homes, HMOs, student health clinics, and home health agencies. Where state law permits, nurse practitioners may establish their own offices for independent practice. Work hours for these professionals often exceed the usual eight-hour day as they are the primary provider of patient care and may be required to be on call to manage patient problems. Registered nurses who plan to become nurse practitioners are advised to have extensive clinical experience before continuing their education.