title: Providing infertility care.
abstract: In recent years nurse practitioners have expanded their repertoire of ob/gyn skills to include the provision of infertility care. To minimize the stresses involved in an infertility investigation, couples benefit from a care provider who can educate them about the factors, testing, and treatments involved in infertility. They also need a provider who can support them emotionally through a work-up that touches upon the sensitive aspects of their sexuality, partner relationship, and self-esteem. Nurse practitioners have demonstrated an aptitude in providing competent medical care and health education in the context of a therapeutic relationship. Utilization of the physician/nurse practitioners collaborative team approach offers one successful model for integrating nurse practitioners into the practice of infertility.
mesh_terms: D005260:Female; D006279:Health Maintenance Organizations; D006801:Humans; D007246:Infertility / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy*; D008297:Male; D008404:Massachusetts; D009722:Nurse Practitioners / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D009730:Nursing Assessment; D010348:Patient Care Team; D010353:Patient Education as Topic