Nurse practitioners
provide much of the same care provided by physicians and
usually maintain close working relationships with
physicians. Demographically, nurse practitioners are
mostly female. An NP can serve as a patient’s regular
health care provider and see patients of all ages. The
core philosophy of the field is individualized care.
Nurse practitioners focus on patients' conditions as
well as the effects of illness on the lives of the
patients and their families. NPs make prevention,
wellness, and patient education priorities. This can
mean fewer prescriptions and less expensive treatments.
Informing patients about their health care and
encouraging them to participate in decisions are central
to the care provided by NPs. In addition to health care
services, NPs conduct research and are often active in
patient advocacy activities.
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