What is the primary role of a nurse practitioner in primary care?

The primary role of a nurse practitioner (NP) in primary care is to offer comprehensive healthcare services. NPs are trained to assess, diagnose, treat, and manage various health conditions across the lifespan. They provide holistic care that encompasses disease prevention, health promotion, and management of chronic and acute illnesses. This comprehensive approach allows NPs to build strong patient relationships, ensuring continuity of care and addressing both physical and mental health needs.

While specialized surgical care, advanced laboratory testing, and managing hospital admissions and discharges are important roles in the healthcare system, they are not the primary focus of nurse practitioners in primary care settings. Instead, NPs play a critical role in delivering accessible, patient-centered care that emphasizes overall wellness and preventive measures, making them vital to the primary healthcare team.