Things you Should Know about Nurse Practitioners

Who are Nurse Practitioners (APRN/NPs)?

Are they a nurse? Are they a physician? According to the American Association of Nurse Practitioners, a Nurse Practitioner (NP) is a healthcare provider who blends clinical expertise in diagnosing and treating health conditions with an added emphasis on disease prevention and health management. Nurse Practitioners bring a comprehensive perspective along with a personal touch to your healthcare needs.

How much Training and Education does a Nurse Practitioner receive?

Nurse practitioners are all Registered Nurses (RN) who have completed a masters or doctoral degree program and have advanced clinical training beyond that of their RN preparation. They take clinical courses that prepare them with specialized knowledge and clinical competencies to practice in various healthcare settings. Typically, it takes six to eight years to become an APRN-NP. While NPs are not physicians by definition, they are healthcare providers who undergo rigorous training and credentialing, peer review, evaluations, and continued education learning.

What types of healthcare services can Nurse Practitioners provide?

Nurse practitioners provide a full range of healthcare services in the primary care, acute, and speciality settings, including:

• Ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests such as lab work and x-rays
• Prescribing medications and other treatment
• Diagnosing and treating acute and chronic conditions
• Patient Education
• Managing patients’ overall care
• Prevention and healthy lifestyle choices

In Nebraska, NPs are required to have 30 contact hours in pharmacology in order to prescribe medications with full authority.

Are patients who see a Nurse Practitioner as their healthcare provider satisfied?

According to a survey published in Nursing Outlook 2019, the overall NP satisfaction ratings given by patients were very high. In some cases, patient experiences between providers revealed NP to be rated significantly higher than their colleagues (medical doctors and physician assistants). The results show an overwhelmingly positive reaction to the work of nurse practitioners.

Can I see a Nurse Practitioner at the Piedmont Clinic?

Yes! Reba Cooksley, DNP, APRN-NP, Family Nurse Practitioner at Bluestem Health – Piedmont Clinic in Lincoln, Nebraska, is a highly trained Nurse Practitioner. She works as part of the Piedmont Clinic team in providing comprehensive and quality care for patients of all ages.

Reba has a passion for working with diabetic and hypertensive patients, as well as kids and their moms. She has over seven years healthcare experience and is accepting new patients.

Bluestem Piedmont is proud to have Reba on staff and wants to assure patients if they schedule an appointment with Reba they will be in good hands and should feel confident they will be provided thorough, quality care.

Call today to schedule an appointment for you and your family with Reba.