Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is a Nurse Practitioner?
Nurse practitioners are registered nurses who have earned an advanced degree in Nursing. They are certified through a national professional nursing certification board before practicing as a nurse practitioner. Nurse practitioners collaborate, consult and refer patients to physicians or other specialists when a patient's situation warrants more advanced diagnosis and treatment.
Nurse Practitioners are board certified in the following specialty areas:
- Acute Care (hospital)
- Adult Health
- Family Health
- Geriatric Health
- Pediatric Health
- Women's Health
The majority of health care needs of people and their families include the treatment of minor illnesses and conditions as well as the management of chronic health problems. Even more importantly, people have the desire to learn how to live healthy life styles and practice good health care habits. Nurse practitioners approach patients and their families in an individualized and holistic manner and provide information to their patients that helps enable them to make healthy lifestyle choices and health care decisions.
In addition to providing direct patient care, nurse practitioners promote quality health care for individuals and their families through education, research and legislative activities.
Why choose a Nurse Practitioner?
Patients choose nurse practitioners because the care provided by NPs focuses on wellness and health promotion. In addition NPs address the effect that health care problems can have on the life of both the patients and their families. NPs are committed to making sure patients understand their health problems and how to take care of themselves and their families.
Select one of the following links to learn more about nurse practitioners and their contributions to health care:
www.napnap.org National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners
www.aanp.org American Academy of Nurse Practitioners
www.acnpweb.org American College of Nurse Practitioners
Some of the information regarding NPs has been provided by the Minnesota Office of Rural Health and Primary Care.
Can Nurse Practitioners perform physical examinations?
Yes. Nurse practitioners provide comprehensive well examinations for patients of all ages.
Immigration Physicals are performed by Dr. Sofi Ali, Civil Surgeon.
Can Nurse Practitioners write prescriptions?
Yes. Minnesota Law allows nurse practitioners to independently write prescriptions for medications or therapeutic devices and order diagnostic tests or procedures in collaboration with a physician. All prescriptions and orders are signed by the nurse practitioner and do not require co-signature by a physician. For more information regarding Minnesota nurse practitioner prescriptive privileges contact the Minnesota Board of Nursing at www.nursingboard.state.mn.us.
What happens if I need to go to the hospital or see a specialist?
Nurse practitioners are able to refer to specialists if your condition warrants the referral. Nurse practitioners are recognized by insurance companies as well as Medical Assistance and Medicare programs. The Nurse practitioners of Eagan Child and Family have long standing relationships with a variety of specialty providers in the area.
Eagan Child and Family Care providers will refer you to a hospital when necessary. If your condition requires admission to a hospital, your provider will stay in contact with the hospital providers whenever possible. It is a good idea that you tell the hospital who to contact if you are admitted.
Our pediatric nurse practitioners are members of the professional staff(s) of Children's Hospitals and Clinics in Minneapolis and St. Paul, Gillette Children's Specialty Care and Shriner's Hospital in Minneapolis. Dr. Ali is a member of the professional staff of United Hospital in St. Paul.
What happens if I need to talk to the provider after hours?
Eagan Child and Family Care after hours calls are returned by ECFC providers. If you need to contact the provider on call regarding a medical question, please call the main office number and follow the prompts given. As soon as you hang up the phone the call will be paged to our provider on-call. If you do not hear from us within 20 minutes, please call again.
What doctor do the Nurse Practitioners work under?
Nurse practitioners are licensed to practice nursing independently. They do not work under a physician's license and are not required to be supervised by a physician. Nurse practitioners in Minnesota are required to have a collaborative agreement and a written prescriptive agreement with a physician. This agreement defines the nature of the collaboration and is reviewed on a regular basis, at least once a year.
Can Nurse Practitioners complete paperwork for the school, county, disability, special health care needs, therapists and such?
Yes. Nurse practitioners are able to complete all paperwork except the forms needed for immigration. Immigration forms need to be completed by a civil surgeon.
Do I need to go to urgent care for stitches or xrays?
Eagan Child and Family providers are able to perform wound closures in the office. Frequently our providers are able to meet patients at the clinic for evaluation and treatment of injuries. If an xray is necessary, Eagan Child and Family will send you to a free standing radiology center nearby. These facilities usually have walk-in appts.