Nurse Practitioner
Source: www.nursing.org
Nurse practitioners (NPs) are advanced practice nursing professionals (APRNs) who occupy a space between physicians and staff nurses. They assess patients, perform basic diagnostic testing and initiate treatment plans. Nurse practitioners bring a holistic approach to patient care by evaluating all factors that impact a person’s health. This wider perspective allows NPs to identify lifestyle choices and disease management steps for patients to improve their health.
What Does a Nurse Practitioner Do?
NPs hold a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN). They must also have already passed the NCLEX-RN exam and have an active license. MSN programs that qualify nurse practitioners are aligned by patient population; aspiring NPs choose among specialties in women’s health, pediatrics, gerontology, family health, psychiatry, oncology or adult health. In many specializations, NPs must maintain active certification through an industry-approved governing body.
In day-to-day practice, a nurse practitioner’s duties can vary widely. Typical tasks can include:
- Taking verbal patient histories
- Ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests, including labs and imaging
- Prescribing medication
- Administering immunizations
- Developing and managing treatment plans
- Performing in-office procedures
- Treating minor injuries
- Diagnosing acute and chronic illnesses
- Developing policies
- Educating and counseling patients
Potential Work Settings
- Family practice clinics
- Pediatric clinics
- Specialty clinics
- Nursing homes
- Rehabilitation centers
- Schools
- Emergency rooms
- Urgent care treatment centers
What Does It Take to Become a Nurse Practitioner?
Skills
- Observant
- Self-confident
- Compassionate
- Communicative
- Critical Thinking
- Healthy
- Emotionally Stable
- Organization and Attention to Detail
Nurse Practitioner Information and Job Outlook
- Annual salary range: $82,780 - $107,520
- Job Outlook: 2010 - 2.74 million jobs; 2020 - 3.45 million jobs
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