Illinois

A nurse practitioner is a registered nurse who received extensive training and education, and who is capable of serving as a patient's primary health care provider. A master's in nursing degree is the minimum education necessary to become a nurse practitioner.

The advanced practice nursing programs train registered nurses to focus on individualized care, to provide patients with health care education and counseling, and always act as a client's advocate. Nurse practitioners diagnose illnesses and treat a patient's physical or mental conditions by applying the nursing process, performing physical examinations, interpreting the results of diagnostic tests, and prescribing medication when appropriate. The clients seen by a nurse practitioner depend on the chosen practice specialty.

Advanced practice nurses may work as family practitioners who provide care to clients of all ages, or may choose to specialize in pediatrics or geriatrics. Nurse practitioners work in many different settings such as nursing homes, hospitals, community clinics, women centers, and private offices.