What Is an ARNP?

ARNP, CRNP, and NP

• ARNP – Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner
• NP – Nurse Practitioner
• CRNP – Certified Registered Nurse Practitioner

These titles mean essentially the same thing are give to nurses who have completed an advanced degree in nursing. All NPs in Southwest Florida are licensed by the state and must follow the rules and regulations that are set by Florida’s Nurse Practice Act. They have earned a Master’s Degree and have been mentored in a clinical practice for several hundred hours by a physician. They then must pass the Advance Practice Certification exam and maintain certification through practice and continuing education.

What Is a Nurse Practitioner?

A nurse practitioner is a registered nurse (RN) with additional advanced training in diagnosing and treating illness. Nurse practitioners prescribe medications, diagnose and treat illness, and administer physical exams. They differ from physicians in that they focus their attention on prevention, wellness, and education while maintaining a close working relationship with the physician.

Nurse practitioners specialize in providing all encompassing individualized care. Many nurse practitioners specialize in particular areas of health care, such as nephrology.

When Do I See the Nurse Practitioner?

After your initial consult and your subsequent follow-up visit with out nephrologist, our physicians recommend that patients establish a relationship with one of our nurse practitioners. This allows our practice to offer exceptional ongoing care and provides our patients the best outcome relating to their kidney disease. During these visits the nurse practitioners will direct their attention to your ongoing care, order additional test such as x-rays and lab tests, provide further education relating to your disease, and focus on your overall wellness.

Having an ongoing relationship with our nurse practitioners will provide a holistic approach for your kidney disease. We are very fortunate to have seven exceptional nurse practitioners working with Associates in Nephrology. Combined they have over 40 years experience in caring for kidney patients. Two of the NPs are certified Clinical Research Coordinators and have managed several studies for physicians, The physicians at Associates in Nephrology feel their skills are vital to our patient’s care.

Working closely with our doctors and nurse practitioners will provide a comprehensive and complete approach for the ongoing health of our kidney patients. If you have questions or suggestions, please talk to your doctor or nurse practitioner.

Why Choose a Nurse Practitioner?

Nurse practitioners provide patients with the information they need to make decisions about their own health. They take the time to listen to a patient’s concerns, health and overwise. Nurse practitioners concentrate on preventive healthcare and provide individualized care. They use theory, research, and clinical expertise to improve the health of people of all ages.

As a healthcare provider your nurse practitioner may:

• Diagnose and treat illness
• Treat and mange chronic diseases such as Chronic Kidney Disease, etc.
• Order and interpret diagnostic tests such as x-rays and blood work.
• Prescribe medications.
• Provide education to allow patients to make decisions about Hemodialysis, Peritoneal Dialysis, Home Hemodialysis, and Transplant.
• Participate in or manage clinical research projects directed at improving health and outcomes for our patients.
• Manage care for hemodialysis patients with weekly rounds at dialysis facilities.