nurse practitioner

noun

: a registered nurse who is qualified through advanced training to assume some of the duties and responsibilities formerly assumed only by a physician
abbreviation NP

Examples of nurse practitioner in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In 1965, the University of Colorado started the first nurse practitioner program to expand care access. Spencer Dorn, Forbes, 18 Mar. 2025 Rather than give additional powers to nurse practitioners, the Senate would ensure that only doctors have the authority to certify involuntary admissions. New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 14 Mar. 2025 Markley was a nurse practitioner and owned several businesses. Jennifer Rodriguez, Kansas City Star, 26 Mar. 2025 Parker said better ways to increase the number of rural doctors include raising pay, expanding loan repayment programs for those who practice in rural areas, and creating accelerated training for nurse practitioners and physician assistants who want to become doctors. Arielle Zionts, NPR, 3 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for nurse practitioner

Word History

First Known Use

1967, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of nurse practitioner was in 1967

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Cite this Entry

“Nurse practitioner.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nurse%20practitioner. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.

Medical Definition

nurse practitioner

noun
: a registered nurse who through advanced training is qualified to assume some of the duties and responsibilities formerly assumed only by a physician
abbreviation NP

called also nurse clinician

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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