What is a Nurse Practitioner?
A Nurse Practitioner (N.P.) is a registered nurse who has advanced education (Master’s or Doctorate level degree) and clinical training in a healthcare specialty. Nurse Practitioners practice under the rules and regulations of the state in which they are licensed. In addition, Catapult Health Nurse Practitioners have national certification in their area of expertise.
What are Nurse Practitioners Qualified and Trained To Do?
The goal of most Nurse Practitioners, especially those working with Catapult Health, is to help people stay as healthy as possible. They do this by teaching people how to improve their health and how to lower their risk factors for illness. In many cases, they also treat chronic diseases such as hypertension and diabetes. Following is an abbreviated list of functions most commonly performed by Nurse Practitioners:
- Health risk evaluation
- Physical examination, diagnosis, treatment and procedures
- Order and interpret laboratory and diagnostic studies
- Well/sick care for all ages
- Coordination of healthcare services, including referrals as needed
- Health education
The Role of Catapult Health Nurse Practitioners
Catapult Health Nurse Practitioners are trained to focus specifically on the health indicators measured during each Preventive Checkup and to provide diagnosis, treatment and ongoing care recommendations for these risk factors and related conditions, especially hypertension, heart disease and diabetes. They are experts in patient motivation and activation techniques used to assist each person to develop his or her own plan for their health. Catapult Health Nurse Practitioners also work closely with each patient to assist with a Primary Care Provider follow up or referral as needed.
