8 Reasons You Should See a Nurse Practitioner

Do you ever wonder if it is right to visit a nurse practitioner rather than a doctor when you have a health concern? Even though their titles are different, they are more similar than you might know.

Nowadays, medical professionals other than doctors can provide you with the required care. One such group of medical specialists providing high-quality care is nurse practitioners (NPs). Many hospitals and other healthcare organizations in the United States offer services and care provided by NPs.

Nurse Practitioners – Who are they?

A qualified nurse practitioner (NP), also called an advanced practice nurse, is a registered nurse with advanced education, training, and skills in a specialized domain such as pediatrics, mental health, or family practice. For example, psychiatric nurse practitioners have a specific set of skills, education, and training in providing care to patients with mental health disorders.

To begin their career, they must complete an undergraduate degree in nursing and become a registered nurse (RN). After graduating, some opt to pursue a master’s in nursing (MSN), while others go for doctoral degrees and pass a national nurse practitioner certification exam to work in the health sector. In addition to these degrees, many master’s holder nurse practitioners enroll in additional NP post master’s certificate programs which, unlike conventional degree programs, focus more on developing skills and expertise in specific career specialties.

Now, let’s explore some reasons you should see a nurse practitioner.

1- They Offer General as well as Specialized Care

Nurse practitioners offer primary and specialized health care by examining, diagnosing, and treating diseases and injuries. They undergo extensive training to treat and diagnose common conditions such as asthma, blood pressure, and diabetes. In some cases, NPs are even authorized to prescribe medicines for these conditions.

Most of these professionals concentrate on providing care for specific populations, such as geriatrics or pediatrics. For instance, if your kid with a medical condition, such as a skin rash, needs care and treatment, an NP with expertise in treating children would be able to deliver the care more efficiently than a physician having little experience with that specific patient population.

Specialty areas of nurse practitioners include adult health, acute care, pediatric health, family health, mental health, gerontological health, and women’s health. You can easily decide who to see for a certain health condition.

2- They Are Great Listeners

During their years in nursing school, nurse practitioners practice empathy while refining their active listening abilities. NPs learn the value of listening from their professional experience.

When receiving treatment, it is essential that you feel relaxed and confident expressing your pains and concerns to the medical personnel. As qualified nurses, NPs pay complete attention to their patient’s speaking. Not only do they hear the words, but they analyze and respond to the patient in the best way possible without judgment.

Nurse practitioners also take note of your physical details, such as your expressions, body language, etc., which are vital for diagnosing certain medical conditions.

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3- Nurse Practitioners Are Accessible

You probably do not want to wait in line for hours at the clinic or hospital for high blood pressure, which could become serious if not treated immediately.

Conversely, nurse practitioners can offer top-notch treatment, especially for medical conditions, such as high blood pressure and diabetes, with less waiting time. A nurse practitioner on shift may assist if you require immediate medical help. They are even accessible to the patients in their local areas to deliver better patient care and build healthcare systems.

4- They Concentrate on Holistic Approaches to Treat Patients

Nursing practitioners concentrate on comprehensive, holistic strategies for patient care. A holistic approach involves the practice of healing the person in all aspects. It indicates that nurse practitioners consider a patient’s symptoms, mind, spirit, socioeconomic background, culture, and environment when providing treatment. It helps NPs improve relationships with their clients to foster wellness.

Because nurses devote more time to interacting with patients and families, they can provide thorough care in terms of disease diagnosis and drug administration, as well as lifestyle counseling with keeping track of patients’ progress.

5- They will educate you about your health concern

When it comes to disease diagnosis or treatment, patients must follow several things strictly, such as diet, medication, or other preparations. Whatever your health concern, a nurse practitioner will help you educate about your medical condition, treatment, and how you prepare for it. They will not only help you prepare physically but psychologically as well.

6- Help You Deal with The Illness or Trauma

Whether you are diagnosed with a chronic disease or have undergone an injury, your emotions might be stronger than the pain. Studies indicate that mental discomfort can hinder patient recovery. Hence you must be emotionally sound to help improve your health outcomes.

A nurse practitioner can help you calm down and cope with illness or trauma. They will make you understand that your signs and symptoms might be normal and assist you with ways to relax. They might also encourage you to talk about your thoughts, experiences, and feelings so they do not build up in your mind.

7- They Create a Trust Relationship with Their Clients

Nurse practitioners follow up with patients frequently throughout treatment to support continuous care. They spend considerably more time with patients than physicians, so they have a deeper understanding of their histories.

Receiving care from the same nurse at regular intervals leads to the development of trust and rapport. According to research, establishing trust with patients contributes to improved medical outcomes. Patients respond more effectively to treatment and have more consistent follow-ups because they believe NPs care about their well-being.

8- Their Consultations Are Cheaper

Primary care offered by NPs costs less than the one provided by doctors. When invoicing their patients, doctors include overhead charges and other costs. Rather than paying high fees for their appointment, consider visiting a nurse practitioner if you need immediate medical assistance and are on a tight budget.

Conclusion

A nurse practitioner is a nurse with advanced education, such as a master’s or doctorate, licensed to diagnose and treat patients with little to no direct supervision from a physician. They offer all the primary care, including examining patients, treating acute and chronic medical conditions like diabetes and blood pressure, offering counseling, and educating patients on the prevention of diseases. NPs, with a concentration in a specific domain, such as gerontological health nurse practitioners, can also provide specialized care to a particular group of individuals. From listening to your health concerns and diagnosing the problem to providing treatment and care, seeing a nurse practitioner can be helpful, particularly if you are limited in your budget and need medical attention.