Like all nurse practitioner, Becky, Gineger and Mary work closely with the Heart Center Physicians.  The nurse practitioner is trained to do physical exams, treat illnesses, and prescribe medications much like physicians.  Nurse practitioners also focus on the prevention of disease and spend time with patient’s education and promoting health.  You can find nurse practitioners in a variety of clinical settings from rural communities to hospitals and private practices. 

          The nurse practitioner role has been round since 1960.  Nurse practitioners have been licensed and recognized in Florida since 1975, and are regulated by the Florida Board of Nursing.  A joint committee of the Board of Nursing and the Board of Medicine determines the nurse practitioner’s scope of practice.  Many nurse practitioners have certifications in their specialty area of practice, in addition to their education and licensure.  Specialties can be in almost any area of care (i.e. pediatrics, anesthesia, critical care, gerontology, cardiology, etc….).