Medelita Celebrates National Nurse Practitioner Week

Nurse practitioners provide 125,000 solutions to the primary care shortage SAN CLEMENTE, Calif., November 8, 2009 -- Medelita®, maker of breakthrough medical apparel, celebrates National Nurse Practitioner Week this November 8 through 14. Nurse practitioners (NPs) are advanced practice nurses who provide high-quality healthcare services similar to those of a doctor. They diagnose and treat a wide range of health problems, and even prescribe medication. This year, nurse practitioners are celebrated for providing “125,000 solutions to the primary care shortage.” “Nurse practitioners play a critical role in our healthcare system, providing much needed care that encompasses disease diagnosis and treatment, health education and helping patients to make wise choices and to become better advocates of their own health,” said Lara Manchik, PA-C and founder, Medelita. “Medelita is proud to be a partner to NPs, who combine strengths from nursing and medicine to provide a holistic approach to personalized patient care.” Most nurse practitioners have advanced degrees, such as master’s degrees, and training beyond their registered nurse credentials. Many even have doctorates in their areas of specialty. Since 1965, NPs have been practicing in all types of settings including clinics, hospitals, private physician or nurse practitioner offices, schools, urgent cares, colleges and public health offices, to name a few. Nurse practitioners work in areas such as family health, women’s health, pediatrics, gerontology, psychiatric, neonatal and oncology. In addition, NPs also often practice in subspecialties, ranging from allergy and immunology, cardiovascular, dermatology, endocrine and gastroenterology, to neurology, orthopedics and many others. Mimi Secor is one of the many nurse practitioners who not only embodies the philosophy of NPs in providing healthcare to the underserved, she has been instrumental in promoting awareness of NPs as a growing force in delivering quality healthcare. “We provide care for patients who have the least voice,” said Secor, who was one of the first nurse practitioners to run her own practice, and who has been instrumental in getting legislation passed allowing NPs to write prescriptions for medication. “We have to take it upon ourselves to educate people about what NPs bring to the table.” Every day, nurse practitioners are making a difference in the lives of patients and they are advancing the role of women in the healthcare professions. Medelita honors NPs this week and throughout the year, through its “Celebrating Women in Healthcare” campaign showcasing the talents, devotion and accomplishments of women all across the nation, just like Secor. The women selected for “Celebrating Women in Healthcare” each receive a lab coat or scrubs of their choice and are featured on the Medelita web site. Nominations that include photos and detailed descriptions of professional and personal accomplishments can be emailed to celebrating.women@medelita.com.