Nurse Practitioners
A nurse practitioner is a registered nurse (R.N.) with additional specialized education. Education for nurse practitioners includes advanced nursing and selected medical studies as well as a preceptorship.
Who regulates their practice?
Nurse practitioners practice under rules and regulations developed by state boards of nursing. In addition, nurse practitioners may be nationally certified. Nurse practitioners have authority to prescribe medications.
How does a nurse care compare to a physician’s care?
Nurse practitioners care for basically healthy women with typical health care needs. They focus on well being and preventing health problems. Physicians are trained to treat complex health problems, which may require complicated treatment or surgery.
The high quality of care provided by nurse practitioners is well known. Consumer and government studies have shown that nurse practitioners are skilled clinicians and patient educators. More over, consumers value the nurse practitioner’s sensitivity to patient’s needs and their ability to decrease the mystery surrounding health care.
Answering your questions, caring for your reproductive health needs
Nurse practitioners believe in your right to know and make informed choices about your health. A nurse practitioner’s commitment to you:
- Quality care
- Confidentiality
- Time to listen
- Answers to your questions
When would I see a nurse practitioner?
Nurse practitioners are qualified to provide you with many health services—including the treatment of minor illnesses—and will refer you to a physician if a serious health problem is discovered. Ask your nurse practitioner for:
- Physical exams and health counseling
- Care for reproductive health problems and concerns
- Pap smear screening and follow-up
- Contraceptive care
- Pregnancy testing and pre-natal care
- Evaluation and treatment of common infections and sexually transmitted diseases
- Screening and referral for other health problems
Rebecca Gatesman, CRNP
Rebecca graduated from the University of Pittsburgh in 1999 with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. She received her Master of Science in Nursing from Westminster College in Salt Lake City, UT in 2005. Rebecca is certified as a Family Nurse Practitioner by the American Nurses Credentialing Center.
Her career history includes working in Labor & Delivery for 12 years in Utah and Pennsylvania. She has been working within the realm of Women’s Health for 19 years. She is certified in colposcopy, and specializes in the management of perimenopause and menopause.
Prudence L. Palmer, CRNP
Prudence graduated from York College of Pennsylvania in 1985 with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. She received her Master of Science in Nursing from University of Cincinnati in 2008. Prudence is certified as a Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner by the National Certification Corporation. She worked as an RN in Maternity and Labor & Delivery for 25 years at Hanover and Frederick Memorial Hospitals. She served in the Army Nurse Corp for 3 years and was stationed at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, DC.
