HIGHTSTOWN MEDICAL ASSOCIATES
Elizabeth Teixeira, MS, ANCP, CDE
Hightstown Medical Associates, its physicians and staff, are proud to welcome Betty Teixeira to our staff. Betty earned her BSN from Boston College, her Masters in Science from the University of Massachusetts and is currently working on her Doctorate (DNP) at Drexel University. She is certified in Adult and Gerontologic Care and is also a Certified Diabetes Educator. She worked as a nurse for 15 years and then as a Nurse Practitioner for 13 years. She comes to us from Princeton Pike Internal Medicine in Lawrenceville. Betty is currently on the faculty of the Helene Fuld School of Nursing as a Clinical Instructor. Previously she was a preceptor for nurse practitioner students at Jefferson University and the University of Rochester. She has been listed in Who's Who in Diabetes Care and Management.
She will be available beginning May 8, 2007 to see patients in our office. She is fully trained, as described below, to handle almost everything we see, with a particular interest in the care of diabetics, weight reduction and the elderly. If you would like to schedule an appointment with Betty, please call our office.
What is a Nurse Practitioner (NP)?
A Nurse Practitioner is an Advanced Practice Nurse who can provide primary health care to you and your family. A NP is a licensed Registered Nurse (RN) who has advanced education and clinical training in physical assessment and medical management, and has passed a national certification examination. Since the mid 1980's, newly certified NPs must have at least a Master's degree in nursing. Many NPs have extensive experience as RNs before undertaking a degree or certification program in primary care.
Nurse Practitioners are often nationally certified in their specialty and are recognized as expert health care professionals who provide:
- High quality, cost effective care
- A unique, holistic approach to health care
- Care that results in a high level of patient satisfaction
Nurse Practitioners work with people of all ages and their families, providing information people need to make informed decisions about their health and lifestyle choices.
Why Choose a Nurse Practitioner?
Health care organizations, journal articles and government agencies continute to recognize the services provided by Nurse Practitioners.
Nurse Practitioners are primary health care providers who:
- Take the time to assess how your life style affects your health. NPs work with their patients to prevent illness and promote healthly lifestyle choices. They concentrate on early detection of illness and emphasize disease prevention by providing education for their patients.
- Have a holistic approach to care that does not focus strictly on diagnosing and treating an illness. NPs look at the patient's whole environment.
- Explain the details of health problems, medications and other topics to help people fully understand how to care for themselves. They also address people's concerns about their health care.
- Charge competitive fees which are covered by health insurance plans.
What Health Services Can a Nurse Practitioner Provide?
- Obtain medical histories and perform physical examinations
- Diagnose and treat acute health problems such as infections and injuries
- Diagnose, treat, and monitor chronic diseases such as diabetes and high blood pressure
- Order, perform, and interpret diagnostic studies such as lab work and x-rays
- Prescribe medications and other treatments
- Provide the full range of family planning services, including contraceptive counseling and prescribing
- Provide adolescent care, including screening, immunizations, counseling and anticipatory guidance for such issues as sexual activity and sexually transmitted diseases
- Provide health maintenance care for adults, including annual physicals
- Promote positive health behaviors and self-care skills through education and counseling
- Collaborate with physicians and other health care professionals
- Recognize complicated medical conditions which require referral
- Refer to and coordinate with community resources and agencies
Further Information
Further information on Nurse Practitioners can be obtained at the following sites:
As you can see, Valerie will add considerable value to the services we provide at Hightstown Medical Associates. Please join us in welcoming her to our team.