Can Nurse practioners perform pelvic exams? Or is that something only doctors can do?

Question

Like the annual pap smear?

Answer 1

I work for a NP and she can and does do alot of pelvic exams. NP's in Indiana can do just about anything a Dr can do except rounds at the hospital. I personally would prefer a NP. good luck

Answer 2

Pelvic exams can be easily done by a NP! It is something that you can learn to do with good accuracy after 2-3 months of performing them regularly, you don't even need to be a doctor, although it definitely helps. Actually, in many cases it's the NP who will first do a pelvic exam in many gynecological visits and only on some occasions by doctors.

It is very reliably done by a NP, and in case she is not sure about certain findings, she will certainly consult the doctor anyways.

Answer 3

Generally, the only thing a Nurse Practitioner (NP) can't do is directly admit you to the hospital. They can examine, diagnose, and prescribe just like a doctor. There's usually an MD in house or accessible to back up the NP.

They have a different kind of education than doctors - they were RNs first. Which, IMO, gives them a better bedside manner than many doctors.

Answer 4

My first PAP was done by a CNM (Certified Nurse Midwife). It is not something only doctors can do, but I don't thinkg NPs can.

Answer 5

yes they can. but i would rather a doctor do that a nurse practioner does not know as much as the doctor

Answer 6

Pelvic exams are specialized exams done only by doctors.

Answer 7

When I gave birth, the nurse did an exam to see how far I was dialated, so I guess they can.

Answer 8

when i go to the gyno i go to a nurse practioner, not an actual "doctor". so yeah :)