What is a Nurse Practitioner?
A Nurse Practitioner is a Registered Nurse with the experience and expertise to diagnose and treat people of all ages with a variety of acute or chronic health conditions. Nurse Practitioners have completed additional university study at Master’s degree level and are the most senior clinical nurses in our health care system.

Where do Nurse Practitioners work?
Nurse Practitioners work as key members of the healthcare team and collaborate with other nurses and healthcare professionals including GPs, medical and surgical specialists, physiotherapists, dieticians, occupational therapists, social workers, and many others. They work in a variety of locations, both in hospital and community settings.

Other interesting facts about Nurse Practitioners
National standards for practice ensure that Nurse Practitioners are capable of providing high quality, patient centred care. They are also capable in clinical research, education and leadership as applied to clinical care and health service development.

Did you know that Nurse Practitioners:

• Have practiced in Australia for over 15 years
• Provide health care in all states and territories in Australia
• Can provide patient rebates through Medicare
• Provide prescriptions and access to PBS medicines
• Can refer patients to hospitals and specialists
• Can order x-rays and diagnostic tests

You can find more information about Nurse Practitioners, along with event details about the upcoming National Nurse Practitioner Week here.

This article has been supplied by Kerrie Duggan, Nurse Practitioner/Owner
Authorised by Emily Shepherd, ANMF Tasmanian Branch Secretary
27 November 2019