What is a Nurse Practitioner (NP)?

A NP is a registered nurse with a graduate level education. All NPs must complete a master's or doctoral degree program, and have advanced clinical training beyond their initial professional registered nurse preparation. Didactic and clinical courses prepare nurses with specialized knowledge and clinical competency to practice in primary care, acute care and long-term health care settings, (AANP).

Autonomously and in collaboration with health care professionals and other individuals, NPs provide a full range of primary, acute and specialty health care services, including:

• Ordering, performing and interpreting diagnostic tests such as lab work and x-rays.
• Diagnosing and treating acute and chronic conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, infections, and injuries.
• Prescribing medications and other treatments.
• Managing patients' overall care.
• Counseling.
• Educating patients on disease prevention and positive health and lifestyle choices.
• We have authority to practice in all 50 states, and 26 states completely independently.
• 15% of the NP in the 26 states own their own practices.

Why chose to see a NP?

• Nurse Practitioners are well known for looking at a patients overall health. We spend a lot of time discussing disease prevention, preventive medicine and educating patients.
• There is no difference in out of pocket cost to the patient.
• Patients are able to get in faster to see me than potentially one of the physicians. However, there will most likely always be a physician in the office, and, if not, the physicians are available via phone if needed.

What is the difference in a NP and PA?

PA: Medical based-Master's degree in general medicine

NP: Nursing based-Master's degree in Nursing with specific track

Can a NP prescribe medications?

Yes, NPs are guided by the state of Ohio with prescription rights. We complete 600 hours of MD mentoring in order to be able to fully prescribe on our own. We are also able to do the same process as MDs do, obtaining a DEA in order to prescribe controlled substances. However, at this time we are not planning to do this until later in the future if needed.

Can a NP order labs and testing?

Just like MD's, I am able to order any necessary testing, lab work and consults. All results will be sent back to me just as they are currently to the MDs.

To learn more about our NP LaDonna, read her bio below

LaDonna Josey FNP-C

Featured: The Cochlear Implant Journey

Includes interviews with Dr. William J.D. Turner, patients and staff as they describe the journey to better hearing with cochlear implants.

Video Credits

English captions available with the CC button.

Featured interviews from:

• Dr. William Turner, MD: ENT/Surgeon, Southwest Ohio ENT Specialists
• Cathy Kooser: LISW and Cochlear Implant Patient, Hillcrest Hearing & Balance Center
• Mary Beth Mihalick AuD: Cochlear Implant Audiologist, Hillcrest Hearing & Balance Center
• Linda McGinnis: Pediatric Cochlear Implant Audiologist, Dayton Children's Audiology Manager
• Ron and Julie Kerg: Parents of two bilateral cochlear implant recipients, Isaac and Cooper Kerg
• John Barber: Cochlear Implant Recipient
• Susan Barber: John Barber's wife
• Greg Hanlin: John Barber's co-worker

Produced by Ben Heider | Frankly Benjamin Productions
Additional Camerawork by Kevin Heider | Lake Road Media, LLC
Original Music by Noah Rauch