Nurse Practitioner
What is a Nurse Practitioner?
Nurse Practitioners (NPs) are experienced nurses who, through further education and specialist training, have developed their skills and knowledge in order to offer extended services to patients.
Whilst not being a replacement for doctors, they can provide nursing services that incorporate some aspects of care previously provided by doctors.
What can a Nurse Practitioner can do?
Take a history of your health problem and perform a physical examination. Diagnose and treat minor illnesses and common health problems. Prescribe a wide range of medications. Manage long-term illnesses, such as Asthma and Coronary Heart Disease, offering support and education about the condition. Offer telephone advice about minor illnesses, health problems and medication. Treat minor injuries.
What Problems Can A Nurse Practitioner Deal With?
Minor Illness
Ear Infection
Cough / cold
Throat infection / mouth infections
Chest infection
Eye infection
Dysuria (female)/Cystitis/urinary problems
wound infection/cellulites
Viral infections
Sinusitis
Dizziness
Abdominal pain (new episode - not already undergoing treatmeny
Minor Ailment
Hay fever
Insect bites/stings
Rashes (incl. impetigo and scabies)
Allergies
Fungal skin infections/oral and vaginal candida (thrush) - fungal infections
Emergency contreception
Red eye/eye infection
Threadworms
Headlice
Eczema/dermatitis
Ingrowing toenail
Paronychia (finger nail infection)
Diarrhoea/vomiting
Minor Injury
Acute back pain (muscular)
Any minor injuries >1 week (<1 week, go to A&E)
Torticollis (wry neck)
Animal bites
Wounds/wound infections