Bridging the Gap to Health Care Access: The Role of the Nurse Practitioner

Abstract

The goal of this article review is to explore the role of Nurse Practitioners (NP) in closing the gap to health care access for underserved communities. It will address their role as clinical provider, educator, and advocate for programs to improve community outcomes. Nurse Practitioners through additional education and professional training are licensed to provide health care directly to patients. As an educator, Nurse Practitioner spend hours of educating patients on treatment plans, medication administration and preventive care. Nurse Practitioners advocate for resources in a manner to improve the well-being of the underserved communities at the local, state, and national level. Nurse Practitioners have a core value of promoting healthier lifestyles but that isn't enough if the community lacks access to health care. Nurse Practitioner's willingness, advanced education and skills set places them in a unique position to assist and expand health care access.