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What Is a Nurse Practitioner — and Can They Be My Primary Care Provider?
It’s one of the most common questions we hear from new patients: “So… what exactly is a nurse practitioner? Is that the same as a doctor?”
It’s a fair question, and it’s one we love answering. Because the honest answer is: they’re different, but when it comes to choosing a nurse practitioner vs doctor for your primary care, the difference may matter a lot less than you think.
What Is an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN)?
A nurse practitioner (or APRN) is a registered nurse who has completed graduate-level training (a Master’s or Doctoral degree) in advanced clinical practice. That means years of additional education in diagnosing conditions, prescribing medications, ordering and interpreting lab work, and managing both acute and chronic illness.
In Florida, APRNs like me can practice with a high degree of autonomy, providing the full scope of primary care services.
Jerilyn Summers, one of UCF Health’s APRN , completed her Master of Science in Nursing at Maryville University, and spent years in clinical and hospital settings, including chronic disease management and multidisciplinary care teams.
What Can a Nurse Practitioner Do?
Here’s what she can do for you as your primary care provider at UCF Health:
- Diagnose acute and chronic conditions
- Prescribe medications, including controlled substances (with appropriate oversight)
- Order and interpret lab work, imaging, and diagnostic tests
- Manage ongoing conditions like diabetes, hypertension, thyroid disorders, and high cholesterol
- Provide preventive care including annual physicals, wellness visits, and health screenings
- Refer you to specialists within UCF Health’s network when needed
- Coordinate your care across your entire health team
Nurse Practitioner vs Doctor: How Do They Differ?
The training paths are different. Physicians complete medical school followed by a residency. Nurse practitioners complete nursing school, then graduate-level advanced practice training.
In terms of primary care delivery (the kind of care most people need most of the time) research consistently shows that outcomes are comparable. A landmark randomized trial published in JAMA established that when nurse practitioners and physicians operate with the same independence, patient health outcomes and care quality are completely comparable
Where the difference often shows up is in the experience of care. Many patients tell us they feel more comfortable asking questions, that appointments feel less rushed, and that they get more thorough explanations of what’s happening with their health.
Why Choose UCF Health for Your Primary Care?
At UCF Health, you’re not just seeing one provider and hoping for the best. They work as part of a full medical team, in which means if something comes up that requires a specialist, we handle it together, under one roof.
UCF Health is an academic medical system, which means access to the latest in care, research-backed protocols, and a network of specialists that most standalone clinics simply can’t offer.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. When looking at a nurse practitioner vs doctor or physician assistant, the core difference lies in the training philosophy. Nurse practitioners are trained in the nursing model, which emphasizes holistic, patient-centered care. Physician assistants are trained in the medical model under physician supervision. Both can provide excellent care, but the training philosophy differs.
Yes. In Florida, APRNs can prescribe medications, including some controlled substances, within their scope of practice.
In most cases, yes. Most major insurance plans cover NP visits the same way they cover physician visits. UCF Health accepts a wide range of insurance plans, contact our office to verify yours.
Absolutely. Many patients choose to establish care with an NP as their primary provider. We are currently accepting new patients at UCF Health.
Ready to Establish Care?
If you’ve been looking for a primary care provider who actually listens, takes time with you, and has the training to manage your health holistically — I’d love to be that person.
UCF Health is accepting new patients. Book your first visit here or call us at 407-266-DOCS (3627).
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