What is the primary role of a nurse practitioner (NP) who provides primary health care according to the ANA?

The primary role of a nurse practitioner (NP) providing primary health care is centered around delivering direct nursing care. This involves assessing, diagnosing, treating, and managing patients' health conditions through a holistic approach. NPs work collaboratively within healthcare teams to provide comprehensive care that encompasses prevention, education, and health promotion, all while maintaining a patient-centered focus.

Nurse practitioners are equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to perform examinations, order and interpret diagnostic tests, prescribe medications, and implement treatment plans. By engaging directly with patients, NPs play a crucial role in managing chronic illnesses, understanding the psychosocial context of patients, and delivering health education to empower patients in their health journeys.

Roles such as educator and researcher or consultant include essential duties that NPs may also engage in but are not the foundational aspect of their primary healthcare role. Administrative roles, while important in some contexts, do not embody the direct patient care that defines the NP's primary responsibilities.