Nurse practitioners play a critical role in American healthcare. Over half of NPs practice in primary care, but their role reaches into every medical specialty, dealing with a variety of complex person-oriented issues. Dr. Elayne DeSimone, clinical professor and director of the Post Master's Program at Stony Brook University School of Nursing in Long Island, New York, joins host Mimi Secor to talk about the skills and services NPs add to a medical practice. What prescribing rights do NPs have? Can a nurse practitioner have their own practice? Tune in for answers to common questions and some facts that may surprise you about the role of NPs.