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Master of Nursing
What is a Nurse Practitioner?
Scope of Practice for Nurse Practitioners According to the American Academy
of Nurse Practitioners
1. What is a nurse practitioner?
- Nurse practitioners are primary care providers who practice in ambulatory,
acute and long-term care settings.
- Entry level preparation for nurse practitioner practice is a master’ degree
in nursing.
- According to their practice specialty these nurses provide nursing and
medical services to individuals, families and groups. In addition to diagnosing
and managing acute episodic illnesses, nurse practitioners emphasize health
promotion and disease prevention.
- Teaching and counseling are individuals; families and groups are a major
part of a nurse practitioners practice.
- Nurse practitioners practice autonomously and in collaboration with health
care professionals and other individuals to diagnose, treat and manage the
patient’s health problems
2. What are the requirements to practice as a Nurse Practitioner in Montana?
The Montana State Board of Nursing issues state laws and administrative rules
regarding NP practice. A NP must have graduate education (Master’s) and
be board certified. Licenses are renewed on biennially and 40 hour of continuing
education credits (CEUs) are required for each renewal period.
3. What certification is available for a NP?
Certification is offered to graduates of approved Masters and Post Masters
level adult and family nurse practitioner programs. The National Certification
Examinations given by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification
Program are competency-based examinations for adult and family nurse practitioners
reflective of nurse practitioner knowledge and expertise for each of these
specialties. The content areas of the examinations are health promotion, disease
prevention and diagnosis and management of acute and chronic diseases by family
and adult nurse practitioners.
The Pediatric Nursing Certification Board offers certification for Pediatric
Nurse Practitioners. For more information visit; http://www.pncb.org/ptistore/control/index
Other web sites of interest
The American Academy of Nurse Practitioners
http://www.aanp.org/Default.asp
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