At the Nebraska Heart Institute and Heart Hospital, Mid Level Providers (MLPs) play an integral role in the health care of patients as well as serving as a resource for family members and other caregivers. NHI and NHH utilize both nurse practitioners and physician assistants as MLPs. Each have received extensive training to perform their assigned duties as a member of your health care team.

A nurse practitioner or Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner (ARNP) is a registered nurse who has advanced education and clinical training in a health care specialty such as cardiology. Physician assistants have also completed specific training at an accredited physician assistant program to enable them to work under the supervision of a medical doctor in caring for patients.

MLPs can:

• Obtain medical histories and perform physical examinations
• Diagnose and treat acute health problems
• Prescribe medications and other treatments
• Assist physicians during interventional and surgical procedures
• Promote positive health behaviors and self-care skills through education and counseling
• Collaborate with physicians and other health professionals as needed

The Mid Level Providers at the Nebraska Heart Institute work with the physicians to provide extensive education, preventative care, treatment and follow-up for patient care. Taking care of the whole patient is the goal of the Nebraska Heart Institute.