What Are the Duties of an Arnp?

An Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner (ARNP) a type of nurse that is trained to work independently without a doctor. ARNPs can conduct physical exams, prescribe medicine and treatment programs and give medical advice to patients. They work in hospitals, medical groups and schools.

Basic Duties

• According to the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP), ARNPs offer both care and cure to their patients. All ARNPs have graduate education and clinical practice beyond a regular nurse and must be licensed to practice. According to the AANP, there were 135,000 practicing ARNPs in the United States in 2010. Beyond diagnosing and treating sick patients, ARNPS also help people develop lifestyle plans that allow people to live happy and healthy lives.

Diseases

• An ARNP can diagnose and treat an array of diseases. For example, they can help people who suffer from hypertension, diabetes, illnesses like the flu and people who have suffered injures. Since ARNPs are allowed to prescribe medication, it is unlikely you will need to see a doctor after visiting with the nurse practitioner. ARNPs can also write referrals for diagnostic tests such as X-rays and MRIs, as well as blood screenings. If your illness is too complicated for the ARNP, she will likely refer you to a specialist.

Specialties

• According to AANP, some ARNPs specialize in specific categories of medicine. For example, some ARNPs are specially trained in areas like urology, oncology, mental health and sports injuries. According to the Mayo Clinic, ARNPs have been around since the the 1960s. A nationwide doctor shortage led to the creation of the position, which does not require a doctorate degree. ARNPs are also a more affordable option for people who do not have health insurance.