What is a Nurse Practitioner

A Nurse Practitioner is an advanced practice nurse educated at the Master’s Degree level and is a specialist in their field of expertise. Nurse Practitioners are registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Authority and are found throughout Australia as key clinicians in regional, remote, and metropolitan areas. Nurse Practitioners possess the authority to assess and diagnose health problems, order and interpret diagnostic investigations, formulate and assess response to treatment plans, prescribe medicines and refer to other health professionals.

Mental Health Nurse Practitioners focus on the psychological and emotional wellbeing of a person and carry advanced knowledge of mental health conditions, psychopharmacology and psychological therapies. MHNPs combine the medical knowledge of psychiatric and physical health with psychotherapeutic treatment approaches.