What Is a Nurse Practitioner? Why Seeing an NP Is a Smart Healthcare Choice

When patients first learn they will be seeing a nurse practitioner rather than a physician, some have questions. What is the difference? Are they as qualified? Can they prescribe medications?

These are fair questions — and the answers might surprise you.

What Is a Nurse Practitioner?

A Nurse Practitioner (NP) is an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) with a graduate-level degree (Master of Science in Nursing or Doctor of Nursing Practice) and specialized clinical training. NPs are licensed to:

• Diagnose and treat acute and chronic conditions
• Order and interpret diagnostic tests and imaging
• Prescribe medications — including controlled substances in Nebraska
• Develop and manage individualized treatment plans
• Provide health education and disease prevention guidance

In Nebraska, NPs practice with full authority — meaning they do not require physician supervision to see patients and manage care.

NP vs. MD: What Is the Actual Difference?

Physicians complete a 4-year medical degree followed by 3-7 years of residency, specializing in a disease-focused, biomedical model. Nurse practitioners complete a nursing degree, accrue significant clinical experience, then complete a graduate NP program with clinical hours in their specialty.

The philosophical training is different: nursing is rooted in holistic, patient-centered care — addressing the whole person, not just the disease. This makes the NP approach particularly well-suited to functional and integrative medicine.

Why a Functional Medicine NP May Be Exactly What You Need

Jenna Witt, NP, brings not just her NP credentials to Fundamental Wellness of Nebraska — she is also a Master Certified Health Coach and has additional training in functional medicine. This combination means she can both prescribe medications and run advanced testing when needed, while also providing the in-depth lifestyle coaching, root-cause investigation, and long-term relationship that functional medicine requires.

Many patients find that NPs spend more time with them, listen more thoroughly, and communicate more clearly than overloaded physician practices with 15-minute appointment slots.

Is My Insurance Accepted?

Yes — Fundamental Wellness of Nebraska accepts most major insurance plans for NP services. Jenna Witt is a fully credentialed provider with insurance companies, and your visits are billed the same as any other medical appointment.