What is a Nurse Practitioner? Nurse Practitioners... Have graduate degrees and advanced education with preparation beyond their initial professional RN preparationDiagnose and treat acute and chronic health problems such as diabetes, dementia, high blood pressure, infection and illnessOrder, perform and interpret diagnostic tests such as lab work and X-raysPrescribe medications and other treatmentsManage a patient’s care and may act as a primary care providerCollaborate with other physicians and specialists