Why choose a nurse practitioner as your healthcare provider?

The concept of nurse practitioners started back in the 1960s in Colorado at the University of Colorado. At that time there was a physician shortage, so Dr. Henry Silver and Nurse Loretta Ford created the first training program for nurse practitioners, focusing at the time primarily on pediatrics.

Initially, the nurse practitioner (NP) role was built on knowledge and skills of the public health nurse which focused on promoting and protecting the population. It was in direct response to the need for cost-efficient, accessible health care in rural, underserved areas.

The principles practiced by NPs are rooted in the nursing model which focuses on the “whole” person. Since the ’60s, much progress has been made in expanding the role of nurse practitioners. Over time, education curriculum has increased to expand knowledge and prepare NPs to meet the demands to effectively treat patients’ acute illnesses, as well as manage chronic conditions.

Regulations for NP practice vary from state to state as to how much autonomy NPs may have, but most practice under a doctor’s supervision. Unlike 11 others states, Texas does not allow independent practice, and the Texas board of nursing regulates nurse practitioners. In addition, national certification by an accredited organization is required.

Nurse practitioners practice in a variety of practice settings ranging from family care to emergency rooms and specialty areas such as cardiology. Here at ETMC First Physicians Clinic in Fairfield, my supervising physician is Dr. J. Michael Orms. I see patients independently during the day and consult with Dr. Orms for guidance and advice as needed. A percentage of my charts are reviewed by Dr. Orms, and we discuss cases to ensure optimal outcomes for our patients.

Nurse practitioners are advanced practice nurses who provide quality healthcare services similar to those of a doctor. Nurse practitioners have graduate, advanced education and clinical training beyond the RN preparation program. We diagnose and treat a wide range of health problems and have authority to write prescriptions, which also varies depending on the state regulations. Besides treating illness, NPs focus on health promotion, disease prevention, health education and counseling. We consider ourselves to be your partners in health.

Today, NPs rank as one of the fastest-growing healthcare professions, with 140,000 trained to perform many of the same tasks as family physicians. Nurse practitioners cost the healthcare system less. An estimated 32 million Americans will be newly insured by 2014 due to federal healthcare reform regulation. It is expected the role for NPs will continue to expand to provide more care for the growing aging population and meet the ever-growing demands on healthcare.

NPs have distinguished themselves from other healthcare providers by focusing on the whole person when treating specific health problems and empowering patients by educating them to make better health choices, improve health outcomes and decrease illness. Studies have shown that primary care provided by nurse practitioners is equivalent to that provided by physicians. Don’t be surprised to see more NPs serving your healthcare needs in the future.

Lisa Wehe is a nurse practitioner at ETMC First Physicians Clinic in Fairfield. She can be reached at 903- 389-2181.