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