What is a nurse practitioner?
A nurse practitioner (NP) is an advanced practice nurse who uses their assessment skills to order and interpret diagnostic tests, diagnose disease, refer to specialists, and prescribe treatment for patients in their care. The role began in the 1960s to address the shortage of medical providers in the face of a growing global population. Nurse practitioners have been authorised in Australia for just over 20 years.
- An NP requires over 5000 hours of advanced clinical practice before they can apply for endorsement with the Nursing & Midwifery Board of Australia.
- Australian NP programs are highly competitive, require a post-graduate qualification as a prerequisite for admission, and culminate with the Master of Nurse Practitioner degree.
- NP work closely with physicians in delivering healthcare. NP working in private practice setup collaborative relationships with a physician to meet legislative requirements. An NP may perform many of the same functions as a doctor, but it's important to remember they are two separate roles with different educational preparation and scopes of practice.
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