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Sweetask asked in HealthWomen's Health · 1 decade ago

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

Update:

Like the annual pap smear?

8 Answers

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  • Anna Z
    Lv 4
    1 decade ago
    Favorite Answer

    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

  • Anonymous
    1 decade ago

    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.

    Source(s): I'm a doctor
  • 1 decade ago

    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.

    Source(s): I've worked with pediatric NPs for 8+ years.
  • 1 decade ago

    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.

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  • 1 decade ago

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

  • WC
    Lv 7
    1 decade ago

    Pelvic exams are specialized exams done only by doctors.

  • 1 decade ago

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

  • 1 decade ago

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

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