Nurse practitioner an important job

The article about walk-in clinics by Shari Roan [“Bread, Milk -- and a Diagnosis,” Jan. 22] was interesting, but unfortunately focused on a narrow area of nurse practitioner practice.

As early as 1971, Kaiser Permanente began educating experienced RNs as nurse practitioners in obstetrics/gynecology, internal medicine, family practice and other areas. I was one of those nurses and can testify to the rigorous, thorough training we received. We worked in “modules” along with physicians -- examining, treating, teaching and planning care for our patients.

Nurse practitioners do not treat only a few “simple conditions,” as mentioned in the article, but are instrumental in ensuring excellent care for those with diabetes, cancer, heart conditions and many other illnesses.

Nurses tend to treat the whole patient and add much to their overall care. They are not just “physician extenders.”

LINDA L. MANN, RN

Hollywood