Nurse practitioners are registered nurses with advanced knowledge and education in primary health care, or other areas of specialty care.

Primary Health Care Nurse Practitioners

A nurse practitioner working in family practice can:

• Diagnose and treat health issues, such as asthma, COPD, diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, and other ongoing health conditions.
• Order and interpret tests, including blood tests, X-rays, ultrasounds, and MRIs.
• Prescribe medications.
• Perform exams and procedures, such as pap tests, prostate exams, and immunizations.
• Provide health screening clinics such as well-baby, well-women, and well-men.
• Teach you how to manage an ongoing health condition, and offer ways to lead a healthy life.
• Focus on how your physical and mental health affects your life and family.
• Refer you to a specialist or other health care provider, if needed.

Adapted from the College of Registered Nurses of Nova Scotia and the Canadian Nurses Association.

Specialty Nurse Practitioners