Colorado is one of nearly two dozen states that allow nurse practitioners to practice independently from a doctor, including authority to write prescriptions.

Nurse practitioners are independent healthcare practitioners licensed by the state. They hold advance practice registered nurse degrees such as NP-C, which stands for Nurse Practitioner-Certified. Advance degrees are just one part of the equation. Nurse practitioners also have rigorous post-graduate clinical experience.

They see and treat patients from birth to the elderly like other primary care professionals.

NP-Cs perform physical exams, diagnose illnesses and disease, provide care for chronic and acute conditions, prescribe medication and more.

by Mary Menz

Ouray Plaindealer May 2018