A nurse practitioner is an advanced practice nurse that is qualified and competent to evaluate and treat a variety of medical conditions. They focus on promoting health and wellness, managing disease, and treating injury. They are able to assess, diagnose, order, and interpret medical tests as well as prescribe medication without the direct supervision of a physician. Because they are capable of performing these tasks, nurse practitioners fill an important role helping children and adults have access to quality healthcare.
How do I become a nurse practitioner (NP)?
Many nurse practitioners began their career as nurses and are looking to advance their skills and career. Nurse practitioner is a specialty that requires at least a master’s degree or a clinical doctorate degree from an accredited program. Classroom education focuses not only on subjects related specifically to nursing, but more general courses like pathophysiology, pharmacology, and advanced health assessment. In addition to classroom education, clinical experiences provide vital hands-on learning. Clinical experiences might focus on areas such as family medicine, women’s health, neonatology, pediatrics, oncology, orthopedics, cardiology, mental health, and many others.
Before entering a nurse practitioner program, a registered nursing (RN) license is required. Most programs prefer you have a bachelor’s degree in nursing; however, there are some programs that allow registered nurses who have an associate’s degree in nursing to “bridge” into the program. In addition, there are some graduate-level programs that allow a student with a degree in a health-related field to enter. During the program they prepare students for the RN licensure exam. Although a master’s degree is one common path to becoming a nurse practitioner, the option to pursue a Doctor of Nurse Practice (DNP) is becoming the standard. Even a Ph.D. is available for those interested in nursing research.
Advanced practice registered nurses (APRN) can obtain specialty degrees, like nurse anesthetist and nurse midwife. Nurse anesthetists are trained to administer anesthesia before, during, and after surgery or medical procedures. Nurse midwives are trained in the care of women’s health, including providing gynecological exams, family planning, and prenatal care. They are able to deliver babies and provide post-partum care. In addition, they are capable of addressing women’s reproductive health.
In many states advanced practice registered nurses become licensed by passing the NCLEX national exam.
What do nurse practitioners do?
Nurse practitioners provide primary or specialty care to their patients. Similar to a doctor, they may assess their patients, determine necessary treatments, provide medical advice, and counsel patients how to stay healthy or manage an illness. In most states, they are even able to prescribe medication and order medical tests. Nurse practitioners focus on patient-centered care by listening to a patient’s concerns before determining the best course of action.
Nurse practitioners work with a variety of health care professionals. They often consult with physicians when complex medical conditions are diagnosed. They may refer patients with physical disabilities to physical therapy, occupational therapy, or speech therapy. A patient with nutritional needs may be referred to a dietitian. A nurse practitioner might consult with a pharmacist to ensure their patient gets the proper medications. They play an important role in coordinating the best care for their patients.
To excel as a nurse practitioner, excellent interpersonal skills are vital as you communicate with patients and collaborate with other medical providers. The ability to think on your feet, evaluate the best course of action, and be detail-oriented are also important. Above all, being compassionate and sympathetic when working with patients is crucial.
What is a nurse practitioner’s salary?
On average, a nurse practitioner’s annual income is $109,820. Highest wage-earners work in a hospital setting, earning on average $122,420 annually. On the other hand, nurse practitioners working in a doctor’s office or similar setting earned an average annual wage around $113,000. The pay for advanced practice registered nurses varies as well. The annual pay for a nurse midwife in the United States is $105,030. Nurse anesthetists typically are earning $175,000 a year.
What is the job outlook for nurse practitioners?
Now is the time to become a nurse practitioner! A 45% increase in jobs for nurse practitioners is anticipated through 2029. Because nurse practitioners can provide the same services as physicians, nurse practitioners are increasingly being used in healthcare. Not only that, as preventative health care is emphasized more, nurse practitioners will be in high demand. Additionally, because nurse practitioners are becoming more widely recognized by the public, more and more people seek out a nurse practitioner to manage their care.