[Editor’s note: A nurse practitioner in your area is available for interviews.]
According to the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP), the United States is facing a primary care provider shortage. A solution for the need of health care professionals is the nurse practitioner. A nurse practitioner is a registered nurse who has advanced education and clinical training in a health care specialty. Currently there are more than 125,000 nurse practitioners across the country.
The Anita Thigpen Perry School of Nursing in conjunction with nursing schools across the country will celebrate Nurse Practitioner Week Nov. 8 through 15.
Among the many services, nurse practitioners provide:
• Deliver a unique blend of nursing and medical care, focusing on care and cure
• Order and interpret diagnostic tests such as lab work and X-rays
• Diagnose and treat acute and chronic conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, infections and injuries
• Prescribe appropriate treatments
• Practice with other health care professionals to assess, diagnose, treat and manage the patient's health problems and needs
Locally, the South Plains Nurse Practitioners, an affiliate of the Texas Nurse Practitioners, is composed of practicing and retired nurse practitioners in the Lubbock area as well as students from TTUHSC and West Texas A&M.
LaMicha Hogan, R.N., FNP, was voted as Outstanding Nurse Practitioner for 2009 by the South Plains Nurse Practitioners. “Her efforts with the Perry SON as well as her primary practice at the Larry Combest Community Health & Wellness Center make her a vital part of our community and our organization,” said Alexia Green, R.N., Ph.D., dean of the TTUHSC Perry SON.
The AANP states that 6,000 new nurse practitioners are prepared each year at more than 325 colleges and universities across the United States. Visit www.aanp.org or www.texasnp.org for more information.
