What do Nurse Practitioners do?

• provide a broad range of health care services
• maintain close working relationships with physicians
• focus on patients' conditions as well as the effects of illness on the lives of the patients and their families (holistic care)
• focus on prevention, wellness, and patient education as  priorities
• Tend to write fewer prescriptions and order less expensive treatments
• Advocate for informed and collaborative decision making for their patients and encourage them to participate in their health care
• NPs usually work autonomously and are able to open their own clinical practices. American NPs may prescribe medications and carry a DEA number in at least 44 states (including Colorado).

What is their Scope of Practice?

• Diagnose, treat, evaluate and manage acute and chronic illness and disease (e.g., anxiety disorders, ADHD, depression)
• Obtain medical histories and conduct physical examinations
• Order, perform, and interpret diagnostic studies (e.g., lab tests),
• Prescribe medications
• Provide primary and specialty care services
• Collaborate with physicians and other health professionals as needed, including providing referrals
• Counsel and educate patients on health behaviors, self-care skills, and treatment options
• PMHNPs (Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners) conduct psychotherapy and cognitive behavioral therapy in addition to diagnosing and prescribing