Kimberly Larson, Nurse Practitioner | Medford, OR | WebMD (2024)

FAQs

Is a nurse practitioner the same as a gynecologist? ›

However, WHNPs generally have more preventive care and counseling training, while OBGYNs are physicians who have completed medical school and residency training in women's health. They can provide all aspects of care, from preventive care to complex surgeries.

11, 2024) —The American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) applauds the recognition of nurse practitioners (NPs) in U.S News & World Report's “Best Jobs” rankings for 2024, which lists the profession first in three categories.

While it can be tempting to want care from someone with the title “Doctor”, nurse practitioners are equally skilled and knowledgeable in their field. Nurse practitioners are typically not as booked as doctors, and can fit patients in sooner, providing relief without long delays or wait times.

For example, California and Georgia forbid nurses, pharmacists, and other professionals from using the "doctor" title. Most states allow practitioners with doctorate degrees to use the title “doctor” as long as they immediately clarify their role and qualifications.

It's important to note that both PAs and NPs are mid-level medical professionals. They're basically at the same level. However, NPs can work independently in many states that PAs can't. So, it places nurse practitioners above physical assistants in terms of practice independence.

Research has found that patients under the care of NPs have fewer unnecessary hospital readmissions, fewer potentially preventable hospitalizations, higher patient satisfaction and fewer unnecessary emergency room visits than patients under the care of physicians.

So, do you call a nurse practitioner doctor? As a general rule, no, because not all nurse practitioners have a doctorate or similar qualifying degree. The general consensus is that you should use the cue they give you in their introduction, including the title they assign themselves.