Skip to main content

What is a Nurse Practitioner (NP)?

A Nurse Practitioner (NP) is a Registered Nurse who has the experience and expertise to assess, diagnose, and treat individuals with various acute or chronic health or psychological conditions.

NPs have completed a Master’s level education and are recognised for their advanced clinical knowledge and skills. This enables them to assess, diagnose, prescribe and manage a wide range of health conditions, as authorised by the Nurses and Midwives Board of Australia (NMBA).

What Does a Nurse Practitioner Do?

Nurse Practitioners (NPs) undergo rigorous certification, peer review and clinical evaluations, and they adhere to a strict code of ethics in their practice. Their responsibilities generally include:

  • Conducting health and psychological assessments.
  • Ordering, performing, and interpreting diagnostic tests, such as x-rays and laboratory work.
  • Diagnosing and treating both acute and chronic health and psychological conditions.
  • Prescribing medications and other forms of treatment.
  • Managing and planning patient care.
  • Counselling patients and their families.
  • Educating patients on disease prevention, health promotion and lifestyle choices.