November 12 – 18 is Nurse Practitioner Week, a time to recognize the dedication and expertise that advanced nurse practitioners bring to patient care at hospitals and clinics across the country.

Nurse practitioners (NPs) are involved in virtually every aspect of patient care. They conduct physical exams, diagnose and treat illnesses, order and interpret tests, and prescribe medications. They are commonly involved in patient health education as well, helping patients manage chronic conditions, prevent disease, and make healthy lifestyle modifications.

In addition to possessing a bachelor’s degree in nursing, all NPs have earned a master’s degree and passed a rigorous national NP board certification exam. Typically, it takes between six and eight years to become a nurse practitioner, with the option to further specialize in a number of different areas of medicine, including pediatrics, women’s health, and orthopedics.

Hereford Regional Medical Center is committed to providing great care for our community, and our highly qualified nurse practitioners provide the added capacity and expertise to help us deliver the best possible care for our patients.

Learn more about our dedicated care team here.