What is a Nurse Practitioner?

A Nurse Practitioner (NP) is a licensed, advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) who provides high-quality, patient-centered healthcare. Nurse Practitioners are trained to diagnose and treat medical conditions, prescribe medications, order and interpret tests, and provide both preventive and ongoing care just like a physician.

Nurse Practitioners are recognized as independent primary care providers. That means they can practice without physician supervision, diagnose and treat illness, and manage chronic conditions on their own. This helps increase access to care, especially for populations like older adults who may have trouble getting to a traditional clinic.

Nurse Practitioners in Oregon are licensed by the Oregon State Board of Nursing (OSBN) and must complete advanced education  along with national board certification in their specialty area. Our NPs bring specialized expertise in the unique needs of older adults in community living and skilled nursing settings.

According to the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP), “NPs have been providing primary, acute and specialty health care to patients of all ages and walks of life for nearly half a century. NPs assess patients, order and interpret diagnostic tests, make diagnoses and initiate and manage treatment plans — including prescribing medications. Millions of patients choose NPs as their health care providers, with visits totaling nearly a billion annually.” (AANP, 2024).

What Does This Mean for You or Your Loved One?

Working with a Nurse Practitioner means your loved one gets:

• Consistent, on-site care from a provider who knows them well
• Complete primary care services including regular check-ups, management of chronic illnesses, and care during illness or injury
• A personalized approach focused on quality of life, communication, and prevention
• Coordination with specialists and facility staff to make sure everyone is on the same page

We believe in proactive, compassionate care and that’s exactly what Nurse Practitioners are trained to provide.