Nurse Practitioner

Nurse practitioners are advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) who provide a wide range of healthcare services. They can diagnose and treat illnesses, prescribe medications, and order tests. Nurse practitioners work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, and private practices.

Education and Training

To become a nurse practitioner, you must first earn a bachelor's degree in nursing (BSN). After completing your BSN, you must then complete a master's degree in nursing (MSN) or a doctor of nursing practice (DNP) degree. Nurse practitioner programs typically take two to three years to complete.

Scope of Practice

The scope of practice for nurse practitioners varies from state to state. In some states, nurse practitioners can practice independently, while in others they must work under the supervision of a physician.

Job Outlook

The job outlook for nurse practitioners is excellent. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment of nurse practitioners will grow by 26% from 2018 to 2028, much faster than the average for all occupations.

Salary

The median annual salary for nurse practitioners was $111,680 in May 2018. The top 10% of earners made more than $164,610, and the bottom 10% earned less than $75,050.

Day-to-Day Responsibilities

Nurse practitioners have a variety of responsibilities, including:

• Diagnosing and treating illnesses
• Prescribing medications
• Ordering tests
• Providing counseling and education to patients
• Collaborating with other healthcare professionals

Challenges

Nurse practitioners face a number of challenges, including:

• Long hours
• High levels of stress
• The need to stay up-to-date on the latest medical advances
• The challenges of working with difficult patients

Personal Growth Opportunities

Nurse practitioners have many opportunities for personal growth and development. They can:

• Advance their careers by becoming nurse managers or nurse administrators
• Specialize in a particular area of practice, such as pediatrics, geriatrics, or cardiology
• Teach nursing at a college or university
• Conduct research to improve patient care

Personality Traits and Personal Interests

People who are well-suited to a career as a nurse practitioner are typically:

• Patient
• Compassionate
• Organized
• Detail-oriented
• Strong communicators
• Interested in science
• Committed to helping others

Self-Guided Projects

There are a number of self-guided projects that students can complete to better prepare themselves for a career as a nurse practitioner. These projects include:

• Volunteering at a local hospital or clinic
• Shadowing a nurse practitioner
• Reading books and articles about nursing practice
• Taking online courses in nursing

Online Courses

Online courses can be a valuable tool for preparing for a career as a nurse practitioner. Online courses can provide students with the opportunity to learn about the latest medical advances, develop their clinical skills, and prepare for the Nurse Practitioner Certification Exam (NPCE).

Some of the skills and knowledge that learners can gain from online courses include:

• How to diagnose and treat common illnesses
• How to prescribe medications
• How to order tests
• How to provide counseling and education to patients
• How to collaborate with other healthcare professionals

Online courses can be a helpful learning tool for students who want to pursue a career as a nurse practitioner. However, online courses alone are not enough to prepare for this career. Students who want to become nurse practitioners must also complete a formal education and training program.