NPs are advanced practice nurses who provide high-quality health services similar to those of a physician. NPs diagnose and treat a range of health problems. They have a unique approach and stress both care and cure. Besides clinical care, NPs focus on health promotion, disease prevention, health education and counseling. They help make patients make wise health and lifestyle choices. They are truly your partners in health.
NPs have provided excellent health care for more than 40 years. The first NPs were educated at the University of Colorado in 1965. Programs soon spread across the US. As of 2006, there are about 115,000 practicing NPs. Close to 6,000 new NPs are prepared each year at over 325 colleges and universities.
NPs have graduate, advanced education and clinical training beyond their registered nurse preparation. Most have master’s degrees and many have doctorates.
NPs are licensed in all states in the District of Columbia. They practice under the rules and regulations of the state in which they are licensed. Most NPs are nationally certified in their specialty area and are recognized as expert health providers. The faith that patients have in NPs is shown by almost 600 million visits made to NPs each year.
NPs practice in rural, urban, and suburban communities. They practice in many types of settings. These include clinics, hospitals, emergency rooms, urgent care sites, private physician or NP practices, nursing homes, schools, colleges, and public health departments, to name a few.
From treating illness to advising patients on maintaining a healthy lifestyle, NPs provide a full range of services. Patients who see NPs report an extremely high level of satisfaction with the care they receive. Among many services that NPs provide, they:
NPs specialize in many areas, including:
NPs also often practice in sub-specialty areas such as:
More and more patients are choosing NPs as their primary, acute, and/or specialty health care provider. In addition to being top-notch healthcare providers, NPs deliver a unique blend of nursing and medical care. They provide comprehensive, personalized health education and counseling. NPs assist patients in making better lifestyle and health decisions.
NPs have distinguished themselves from other health care providers by focusing on the whole person when treating specific health problems and educating their patients on the effects those problems will have on them, their loved ones and their communities.
Carolyn received her Masters in Nursing degree from Loyola Niehoff School of Nursing in Chicago. She is certified by the National Certification Corporation (NCC) and the State of Illinois, as a Women’s Health Certified Nurse Practioner.
Carolyn has been a Registered Nurse (RN) for eleven years with all of her practice being in Obstetrics and Gynecology. She is most passionate about educating her patients throughout the spectrum of life with a particular interest in Obstetrics. Carolyn is currently engaged to be married early 2007. She works full-time at our practice and is available at either of our locations.