“All NPs obtain graduate degrees and many go on to earn additional post-master’s certificates and doctoral degrees. Didactic and clinical courses provide NPs with specialized knowledge and clinical competency which enable them to practice in primary care, acute care and long-term care settings. Self-directed continued learning and professional development are hallmarks of NP education.” (American Association of Nurse Practitioners, 2013). However, scope of practice has some limitations. For example, in North Carolina, nurse practitioners do not have independent prescriptive authority, they need a physician to be responsible for authorizing such prescription or order
A nurse practitioner shall be held accountable by both Boards for the continuous