If you have ever looked at a provider’s name badge and noticed letters like “FNP-C” or “APRN,” there is a good chance you were being cared for by a nurse practitioner (NP). More than 461,000 NPs are licensed in the U.S., according to the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP). National Nurse Practitioner Week, Nov. 8–14, recognizes these providers, and it is also a good time to understand the role they may already play in your care.
What an NP Can Do
There are many NPs working throughout the El Paso County Hospital District, at the main campus and throughout the many community clinics and practices managed by University Medical Center of El Paso (UMC) and its partners. A nurse practitioner is a nurse with a graduate degree in advanced practice nursing, which allows them to provide a wide range of care, including:
- Taking your health history and performing a physical exam
- Ordering lab work and other tests
- Diagnosing, treating, and managing illnesses
- Prescribing medicine
- Coordinating referrals to other providers
- Teaching patients about disease prevention and healthy habits
Where You Might Meet One
NPs care for patients of all ages and provide primary, acute and specialty care. Many work in primary care, and approximately 87 percent of NPs were certified in primary care in 2024, the AANP reports. You may also meet NPs in emergency medicine, pediatrics, women’s health, cardiology, cancer care, psychiatry, and care for older adults. What an NP can do depends on the laws of the state where they work.
Reading the Credentials
The letters after an NP’s name tell you about their training. Certified nurse practitioners can add a “C” to their credentials, such as FNP-C for a certified family nurse practitioner. Some NPs also use APRN, which stands for Advanced Practice Registered Nurse. According to MedlinePlus, APRN is a broader category that also includes clinical nurse specialists, certified nurse-midwives, and nurse anesthetists.
A Week to Say Thank You
During NP Week, the AANP and organizations across the country recognize nurse practitioners for the care they provide in their communities. If an NP is part of your care, a simple thank-you at your next visit goes a long way. That visit is also a good chance to ask any questions you have been meaning to bring up about your health.
It is important to monitor your health regularly to prevent, detect, and manage potential risks. At UMC, our health professionals are here to support your overall well-being. Call (915) 521-7979 today to schedule an appointment or visit umcelpaso.org to learn more.
