What is a Nurse Practitioner?
This post is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Please consult your healthcare provider for personalized guidance.
If you've ever seen a nurse practitioner (NP) instead of a doctor at your check-up, you’re not alone. But what exactly is a nurse practitioner—and what makes us different from nurses or physicians?
A nurse practitioner is an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) with graduate-level education and clinical training. NPs are licensed to diagnose and treat illnesses, order and interpret tests, prescribe medications, and manage both acute and chronic health conditions. In many states, NPs practice independently, without physician supervision, making healthcare more accessible—especially in underserved or rural areas.
How NP Training Differs from MD/DO Training
While physicians (MDs and DOs) attend medical school followed by residency, nurse practitioners take a different route. After becoming registered nurses, NPs complete a master’s or doctoral program that focuses on both advanced clinical skills and holistic, patient-centered care. We train with a strong emphasis on health promotion, disease prevention, and treating the person as a whole.
We do have fewer training hours than physicians; ideally a nurse practitioner would work as a nurse for an extended period of time to increase their knowledge, critical thinking skills, and experience. We’re often praised for our communication skills, ability to build strong patient relationships, and focus on education and empowerment. The things we have learned working as bedside nurses is carried over into our role as a nurse practitioner.
State Laws and Scope of Practice
One of the most confusing things about being a nurse practitioner is that our scope of practice depends on where we live. Some states grant full practice authority, allowing NPs to work independently. Others require collaborative agreements with physicians, limiting how we can practice or prescribe.
Why I Became an NP
My journey started with a degree in Human Physiology from the University of Iowa, followed by work in an HIV/AIDS clinic where I saw firsthand the impact of compassionate, informed care. I later became a nurse and worked in various bedside settings but mostly the ICU for over four years, where I gained critical skills and a deep respect for the complexity of the human body.
Becoming a nurse practitioner felt like a natural next step—it gave me the ability to not only treat illness but also to guide people toward healthier lives. As a primary care NP, I get to build long-term relationships with patients, help them understand their bodies, and support their goals. I truly believe health is our most valuable asset, and I’m grateful to play a role in helping people protect it.
One of the most important things I’ve learned in practice is to know my limits. If I’m seeing a patient and I truly don’t know the answer, I say so—honestly and without hesitation. If I feel someone would be better served by a specialist or physician, I make that recommendation. My role isn’t to have all the answers—it's to guide people in the right direction and make sure they’re getting the care they need. Safe, ethical, and effective care starts with humility and knowing when to refer.
That’s a wrap on today’s topic! Let me know what you’d like to learn more about in future posts.
See you soon,
Nina