npstudent22

Hello everyone! For practicing NP's or NP students how do you explain the NP role to your family members, friends, and most importantly to patients when asked "What is a Nurse Practitioner"? So many people are not aware of what the role is and what we do in comparison to the bedside nurse or physician. They understand the word nurse or doctor but get confused as to what an APRN is. I get asked so many times, "So you're like a doctor?". People really just don't get it. Is there a quick, simple, and easy way to explain this to individuals who do not have medical knowledge very much like the majority of our patients? I've had very long lectures in my coursework on the role and what we do etc. but have not been taught on how to easily explain this to patients in a way they can understand and in a way that doesn't take 20 minutes. I struggle to answer the question every time specifically for the acute care setting only. I am not talking about primary care. Help!! Thanks