Nurse practitioners are highly-trained nurses who can independently provide care and treatment for people of all ages, similar to how a doctor might.

Nurse practitioners work closely with doctors and other members of the health care team to help you get the care you need.

Nurse practitioners can:

• Refer you for imaging and x-rays
• Order blood tests
• Decide on treatments based on test results
• Refer you to specialist services
• Prescribe medication with the same authority as doctors

Where you will find nurse practitioners

Nurse practitioners can work in any area of health.

West Coast DHB currently has two nurse practitioners, working in Mental Health and Acute Care.