What is a nurse practitioner

A nurse practitioner is a registered nurse educated to a master’s degree level and authorised 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 in Western Australia the nurse practitioner must be currently endorsed by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia and practice in a Designated Nurse Practitioner Area as per the WA Poisons Act 1964 - 23(2)(e) and WA Poisons Regulations 1965 -11A.

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