Question 1

im 32 and nursing. i have a lumpy area in my breast and armpit pain. a nurse practitioner did a manual breast exam a couple weeks ago and attributed it all to nursing but the pain is still worrying me. when would armpit pain be concerning?

Accepted Answer

Breast tail: The tail of the breast is attached under your armpit and if full of milk and not emptied can produce pain. Have a OB GYN MD do a 2nd opinion  exam on your breasts for assurances since you are still ":worried" post nurse practitioner exam.

Question 2

what is the difference between an oncology nurse practitioner and an oncology nurse?

Accepted Answer

Practitioner: Nurse practitioner can see you and can prescribe treatment while oncology nurse usually deliver chemotherapy or radiation but in actual she can not prescribe tratment by herself.

Question 3

what's the difference between a nurse practitioner and a physician's assistant?

Accepted Answer

Almost the same: Their work is almost the same, but...
Nurse practitioner has more independence at work, they can work alone and have their own practice, also they have more academical education, such as master degree. In comparison, physician assistant needs to work only under licensed physician, and his degree of autonomy at work would depends on the licensed physician he works with and his experience.

Question 4

what is the difference between neonatologist and a neonatal nurse practitioner?

Accepted Answer

MD vs. NP: Neonatologists are medical doctors specialized in pediatrics and then subspecialized in neonatology.  A nurse practitioner is an rn who has done graduate work in nursing practice and specialized in neonatology.

Question 5

what is the difference between a "psychiatrist" and a "psychiatric and mental health nurse practitioner"?

Accepted Answer

Medical school: Unlike a nurse practitioner,  a psychiatrist has completed medical school and years of residency training to gain expertise.

Question 6

what is the difference in a nurse practitioner and a medical doctor. both working in pediatric care and no surgical care?

Accepted Answer

Different: Nurse practitioner has a nursing degree and then master degree to become a np. Physicians go to medical school to get doctor's degree, then residency. Much longer way!

Question 7

what does a nurse practitioner do?

Accepted Answer

Patient care: Nurse practitioner operate under supervision of registered nurses and doctors.  They provide general aspects of patient comfort and care but depending upon the jurisdiction do not generally give out medications or perform injections.  They are a useful, albeit lower paid, part of the health care team.

Question 8

what can i do if a nurse practitioner wants to change my current medication and i don't want to have it changed. ?

Accepted Answer

Discuss: You have the right to ask why are things being changed ? All providers need to give you the information for change. Once you understand the reason for change then seek their input how the new meds would help. Then make a informed decision. If still not satisfied  is ok to get a second opinion.

Question 9

i have an appointment with a nurse practitioner for a physical. what are some things that they won't be able to answer or do for me that my dr would?

Accepted Answer

It Depends: Most nps are very good at doing physicals and discussing routine check up questions. They are also usually good at knowing when something requires a higher md level of attention. They also can handle many common aliments just as competently as an md.  The differences mostly come in when symptoms are difficult to diagnose or someone has a serious, rare condition.

Question 10

what is neonatal nurse practitioner?

Accepted Answer

Just like it sounds: A nurse practitioner that specializes in neonatal medicine.

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Doctor answers about:

Nurse practitioner difference

A member asked:

Im 32 and nursing. i have a lumpy area in my breast and armpit pain. a nurse practitioner did a manual breast exam a couple weeks ago and attributed it all to nursing but the pain is still worrying me. when would armpit pain be concerning?

A member asked:

What is the difference between an oncology nurse practitioner and an oncology nurse?

A member asked:

What's the difference between a nurse practitioner and a physician's assistant?

A member asked:

What is the difference between neonatologist and a neonatal nurse practitioner?

A member asked:

What is the difference between a "psychiatrist" and a "psychiatric and mental health nurse practitioner"?

A member asked:

What is the difference in a nurse practitioner and a medical doctor. both working in pediatric care and no surgical care?

A member asked:

What does a nurse practitioner do?

A member asked:

What can i do if a nurse practitioner wants to change my current medication and i don't want to have it changed. ?

A member asked:

I have an appointment with a nurse practitioner for a physical. what are some things that they won't be able to answer or do for me that my dr would?

A member asked:

What is neonatal nurse practitioner?

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