Nurse practitioner


A registered nurse (RN) who has completed an advanced training program in a medical specialty, such as pediatric care. Abbreviated NP. An NP may be a primary, direct health care provider, and can prescribe medications. Some NPs work in research rather than in direct patient care.

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  • Nurse, licensed practical

    A nurse who has completed a 1- or 2-year training program in health care and has earned a state license. Abbreviated LPN. LPNs provide direct patient care for people with chronic illness, in nursing homes, hospitals, and home health care settings. They assist RNs in caring for acutely ill patients.

  • Nurse, licensed vocational

    A nurse who has completed a one- or two-year training program in health care and earned a state license. LVNs provide direct patient care for people with chronic illness, in nursing homes, hospitals, and home settings. They assist RNs in caring for acutely ill patients.

  • Nurse, registered

    A nurse who has completed a 2- to 4-year degree program in nursing. Abbreviated RN. RNs provide direct patient care for acutely or chronically ill patients. RNs may further specialize in a particular area. For example, psychiatric nurses are RNs with special training in working with mentally ill patients, and trauma nurses work with physicians […]

  • Nurse-midwife

    A person who is trained in both nursing and midwifery and, in the US, is certified by the American College of Nurse-Midwives (ACNM). In order to practice, a nurse-midwife must pass an examination for certification by a national board. Nurse-midwife training focuses on the management of women’s health care, particularly pregnancy, childbirth, the postpartum period, […]

  • Nurse-midwifery

    The practice engaged in by a nurse-midwife in the management of women’s healthcare, particularly pregnancy and childbirth.


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