By Jill V. Ely, MSN, FNP-BC, CDE

You might have heard the term before, but do you really know what nurse practitioners are? Have you ever had the pleasure of being assisted by one? For those who may not be familiar, nurse practitioners are licensed nurses who have an advanced college degree and certification. They’re health care providers who deliver you a unique blend of nursing and medical care. Nurse practitioners work with you to diagnose and treat health conditions, prescribe medications, and order any medical testing you may need.

In both their world and yours, a little education goes a very long way. One of the unique roles of a nurse practitioner is that they educate you on disease prevention and management, and help you make healthy life choices. To align with the Stamford Hospital Planetree Philosophy of putting the patient first, nurse practitioners work in partnership with you and other medical providers, helping you achieve your best life possible.

And, nurse practitioners have a lot to celebrate! 2015 marked the 50th anniversary of practice for this dedicated group of individuals all across the nation. Plus, the week of November 8-14 is Nurse Practitioner Week, as recognized by the American Association of Nurse Practitioners.

Here are some interesting facts about the nurse practitioners we recognize and appreciate:

• There are more 205,000 of them in the United States. 
• They get over 916 million visits a year from patients like yourself. 
• They can actually help to lower your out-of-pocket expenses.
• There are nearly 20 nurse practitioners who work for Stamford Hospital.

So, the next time you go to see your health care provider, consider meeting or being treated by a nurse practitioner. Sometimes, a nurse practitioner may have more time to spend with you to assist you when it comes to managing your specific condition.

Let’s all join together and celebrate the nurse practitioners at Stamford Hospital in achieving 50 years of this profession. Thank you for all you do!