A nurse practitioner is an advanced practice registered nurse who has received special education and training, often specializing in specific types of practice such as pediatrics, psychiatry, or obstetrics. They have provided a large amount of services in acute, chronic and community settings, making their presence in the healthcare system essential. They are also expected to become even more essential to the delivery of healthcare. Nurse practitioners are much needed in our society. They can provide what a patient might think they could only get from a doctor. They can address medical needs and provide important health education to help us perform at our best. Nurse practitioners do more than you really think. They diagnose and treat acute, episodic or chronic illnesses, independently or as part of a health care team. They can focus on health promotion and disease prevention. May order, perform or interpret diagnostic tests such as laboratory work and x-rays and provide services such as health and wellness counseling, screenings and referrals, and physical examinations. They can also prescribe medication dosages, routes, and frequencies based on patient characteristics such as age and gender. They analyze and interpret patients, their histories, symptoms, physical findings, or diagnostic information to develop appropriate diagnoses. In addition to providing primary care and some acute care, they are qualified to meet the majority of patients' health care needs. Their work environments include a doctor's office, hospitals, nursing facilities, schools and clinics. Nurse midwives also work in birthing centers. Some can even treat patients from the comfort of their home. Additionally, they may travel long distances to help provide patient care in locations that provide primary and some acute care and are qualified to meet the majority of patients' health care needs. They work primarily in doctors' offices and spend most of their day on their feet. They must have a master's degree, the right personality and the right skills that match a nurse practitioner. This career pays an average of $89,960 per year and the job outlook is very promising for the future. This will all pay off in the end. Works Cited “American Nurses Association.” American Nurses Association. Np, and Web. March 17, 2014. “Nurse Practitioners at My Next Move.” » Nurse practitioners at My Next Move. Np, nd Web, March 17, 2014. “Nurse Practitioners: Shaping the Future of Health Care.” » Nurse Practitioners: Shaping the Future of Health Care. Np, nd Web. March 17, 2014. “Summary.” U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, nd Web. March 17. 2014.