CRN Lauds Nurse Practitioners

March 1, 2011

2 Min Read
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WASHINGTONAs Americans take more responsibility for proactively staying healthy, it is important they understand the different options they have available to them when they are choosing a healthcare practitioner, according to the Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN). In a press release, CRN said nurse practitioners are known for helping patients make wise health and lifestyle choices.

While research conducted by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) shows that 81 percent of Americans have had or know someone who has had a direct experience with a nurse practitioner, CRN noted still many are not sure exactly what role this valuable healthcare practitioner plays in the healthcare paradigm. And, 60 percent of U.S. adults admitted that they have no idea what a nurse practitioners capabilities are, or they could not articulate them.

CRN explained, Nurse practitioners practice in a number of settings including private physician or NP practices, retail-based clinics (such as national chain drugstores), hospitals, nursing homes, public health departments and more."  Among their many services, nurse practitioners order, perform 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 medications and other treatments; and manage a patients care.

Aside from performing these kinds of specific medical tests, CRN said nurse practitioners also treat the whole person and not simply their symptoms.

Other facts about nurse practitioners mentioned by CRN include:

  • 97 percent of nurse practitioners agree that in order for healthcare in the United States to improve, its important that all Americans take responsibility for their own health.

  • 82 percent of nurse practitioners agree there are gaps in their patients diets that could effectively be addressed with dietary supplements.

  • 59 percent of nurse practitioners believe in the next five years, Americans will take measurable steps to improve their wellness habits.

  • 83 percent of nurse practitioners agree its a good idea for patients to take multivitamins.

  • 58 percent of nurse practitioners agree that patients have a good understanding of actionable steps they can take to improve their overall wellness.

  • Nurse practitioners agree that the following are major barriers to Americans being healthy:

  • Stress of daily lives caused by demanding jobs and hectic lifestyles (96 percent);

  • Not getting enough rest (94 percent);

  • Staying indoors and not getting enough physical activity due to weather (89 percent);

  • Overindulging during the holidays or on vacation (76 percent); and,

  • Not being able to find healthy food while on the road (72 percent).

To locate a nurse practitioner, CRN recommend visiting the American AANP website. 

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