What is an advanced practice registered nurse, anyway? The health care world can often be an alphabet soup for patients. But health care novice or expert, getting to know your health care providers and the role they play in your health care is something every patient should know.
Last week, AARP published A Practical Guide to Nurse Practitioners. With 38 million members nationwide, AARP is one of the largest membership organizations in the country, and most -- if not all -- of these individuals will encounter a nurse practitioner or another advanced practice nurse at some point during their health care experience. And odds are you will, too.
In the guide, AARP addresses some of the most frequently asked questions when it comes to nurse practitioners, including background on their training and education, clinical focus, and patient outcomes. The guide also addresses how nurse practitioner practice can vary state by state according to different laws. Texas, for example, is far more restrictive compared to states like New Mexico or Arizona, which allow nurse practitioners to function as independent practitioners.
Check out the guide today, and share it with your mother, grandmother, friend, and anyone else in your network who wants to get to know their health care provider better. After all, knowledge is power, right?