Posted: 1/27/2015
Nurse practitioners (NPs) are registered nurses
with advanced education and clinical training.
NPs provide comprehensive health care
services, performing physical examinations
and procedures, ordering laboratory studies,
prescribing medications, coordinating care
and providing patient education. With
approximately 300 nurse practitioners at
Parkland, their work makes a significant impact on
our patients.
“As nurse practitioners, we strive to treat
the whole patient, not just the medical
problem,” said Robert Metzger, DNP, APRN,
FNP-BC, Nurse Practitioner III, Orthopaedic Spine Clinic. “In addition, our presence
increases patients’ access to care.”
To become a nurse practitioner, a registered
nurse must complete a masters- or doctorallevel
degree program, In addition, most NPs
have 10 years or more of experience in nursing.
“One of the unique aspects of being a nurse
practitioner at Parkland, unlike many other
hospitals, is our three-step career ladder,”
said Jo Howard, MSN, RN-C, FNP-C, Acute Pain
Service. “It’s an important way to advance your
career while giving back to the community, to
Parkland, to the profession and to patients.”
NPs provide high-skilled, patient-centered
care to thousands of Parkland patients each
year. The work they do every day contributes
to Parkland mission: Dedicated to the health
and well-being of individuals and communities
entrusted to our care.