What is a nurse practitioner

A nurse practitioner is a registered nurse who has undertaken a master’s level degree and is authorised by the relevant regulatory body to function autonomously and collaboratively in an advanced and extended clinical role.

The nurse practitioner role includes assessment and management of clients using nursing knowledge and skills and may include, but is not limited to, the direct referral of patients to other health care professionals, prescribing medications and ordering diagnostic investigations.

The nurse practitioner role is grounded in the nursing profession’s values, knowledge, theories and practice and provides innovative and flexible health care delivery that complements other health care providers. The scope of practice of the nurse practitioner is determined by the context in which the nurse practitioner is authorised to practise (Australian Nursing and Midwifery Council, 2006).

To practice as a Nurse Practitioner in Western Australia you must be registered with the Nurses and Midwives Board of Western Australia as a Nurse Practitioner and be employed in a Designated Nurse Practitioner Area.

More about nurse practitioners:

» Become a nurse practitioner
» Scholarships
» Australian College of Nurse Practitioners (ACNP) (external link)
» Designated areas and clinical guidelines
» Designation resources
» Information sheets
» Publications
» Prescribing medication
» Professional organisations
» Nurse practitioner competency standards
» Legislation relevant to practice