It depends - a nurse practitioner who specializes in women's reproductive care certainly would be trained in the insertion and/or removal of IUDs, and do one or both of these procedures routinely. There are different types of IUD, and I imagine that procedures to insert and remove the different brands might differ slightly, but a few hours CME coursework (taught by instructors working with the manufacturer) would teach someone the particular protocol for a given device, assuming that they already had adequate training and experience in gynecological procedures. A NP who worked in a family care / general practice / internal medicine might not routinely do these procedures, but could, if they had met the necessary training and licensing requirements. Insertion is slightly different than removal, and not all practitioners can do both procedures. Several years ago, I had an IUD replaced, and had to see two doctors - my primary physician could remove the old device, but she had never been trained in inserting my particular model of IUD, so she sent me to a colleague to have the new one installed. Many years prior to that, my primary provider was a NP/CNM who specialized in gynecology, and she could insert and remove any of the IUDs in common use at the time, usually within my scheduled yearly exam. So, in general, having well-trained and experienced NPs handle IUD procedures is a good thing for the patient. The procedures are generally pretty uncomfortable, but skill can make a big difference between "OMG! That hurt!" and "That wasn't so bad..." I prefered my NPs "touch" to that of the primary-care MDs I saw in later years. She put in and took out so many IUDs on a weekly basis that she was like a virtuoso violinist. The MDs were very skilled and gentle as well, but because they did these procedures only a few times a year, it always took a little longer, pinched a little more, led to more bleeding later, etc. If I were a patient thinking about getting an IUD, I would make sure that I had met the person who would be inserting it beforehand, felt comfortable with that person, and trusted them with my well-being. If I didn't "like" someone, I would schedule an appointment with someone else. On the other hand, the IUD is a marvelous birth control method if you are a suitable candidate (its best for women in stable, long-term monogamous relations, works best for women who have already had a child (a roomy uterus helps keep the IUD in place) Once it's in place, its no fuss, no muss! Nothing to remember (check the strings occasionally), nothing to buy, you can get your naughties any time and place (just don't get caught by the kids!) Best of all, it lasts for years (the copper kind, at least - the hormonal based ones might have to be replaced more often), so even if you have to shell out big bucks in the beginning, it more than pays for itself in the long run. And if you want to have another baby later, its completely reversible, with no ill effects on subsequent pregnancies. Contrary to what some people believe, it DOESN'T act to induce abortions - it causes very mild changes within the uterine environment - a mild inflammation and ph/ionic changes that kill sperm before they can reach the egg (this has been studied extensively for decades now, and the consensus among reproductive biologists is that the IUD works prior to fertilization, not after). In addition, the hormonal-type IUDs block ovulation in the same way that the birth control pill does I only mention the above facts, because there is a news story circulating at the moment about a NP who took it upon herself to remove some poor patient's IUD without consent, because this "I knows-what's best for you" "CARE" provider didn't approve of her patient's decision in this most personal of matters. Get the facts, make your own decision, based on your own beliefs, whatever they may be. Whether you see a nurse or a doctor, getting an IUD is really a very minor procedure, but it can be very painful, not to mention awkward and anxiety-provoking! You want to be as relaxed as possible when your feet are in those stirrups and your bum is hanging off the end of the table! Sorry for the wordiness - I hope this helps

Are you referring to Nurse Olona, the one who supposedly "accidentally" removed an IUD because she is against contraception? I'm not sure if she's an NP or actually a PA (physician's assistant) But in answer to your question, I think placing and removing IUDs is indeed within the scope of practice of an NP, as long as they receive training in the technique. In Olona's case, she's being sued for battery because she did not have consent to remove the device. http://www.courthousenews.com/2009/01/14/Woman_Says_Anti-Abortion_Nurse_Removed_IUD_Without_Permission_Then_Lectured_Her.htm