What Does NP Mean in Medical Terms?

NP stands for nurse practitioner. Advanced practice nurse who assesses and treats patients.

nurse practitioner

Advanced practice nurse who assesses and treats patients.

Where you will see NP

You will most often see NP in nursing notes, care plans and handovers, medical charts and clinical notes.

Example

A chart note might use “NP” as shorthand for nurse practitioner when documenting a patient's care.

Related abbreviations

Browse the full Medical Abbreviations guide — 5,715 entries, searchable A–Z and by specialty.

Educational reference only. This guide is for learning and quick reference. Abbreviations vary between hospitals, countries and specialties, and some are discouraged because they can be misread. Always write and interpret orders using your own institution’s approved abbreviation list, and check anything unclear with the prescriber or your local policy.