Nurse Practitioner
Why Is Nursing a Job of Tomorrow?
The healthcare industry will always be recession proof. No matter what state the economy is in, or what trends come and go, people will always be in need of healthcare professionals. Inevitable illnesses and other health-related conditions keep physicians, nurses, and other medical
staff in constant demand. As the world population increases, this demand will only further increase, making healthcare one of the fastest growing industries today. Employment positions for registered nurses, including nurse practitioners, are expected to see a 23 percent growth in opportunities by 2016, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Registered nurses are the largest healthcare occupation, and will likely remain in that top position. The average annual salary for all specialties of full-time nurse practitioners is $86,486, according to the Mayo Clinic.
What Does a Nurse Practitioner Do?
Nurse practitioners are registered nurses who are licensed to act as physicians. They are trained to diagnose and treat common illnesses and conditions, as well as a few complex ailments. They diagnose conditions using the patient’s history of illnesses individually and in the family, conducting physical exams, and utilizing therapy, much as a doctor would. Nurse practitioners specialize in varying fields within the healthcare industry, including women’s health, pediatrics, and family health. Many have independent clinics and practices, but in some states, nurse practitioners must work under the supervision of a licensed physician. In other states, practitioners are completely independent from physicians. Typically, practitioners work in hospitals, nursing homes, and other locations, often acting as a regular healthcare provider for many patients in lieu of an actual physician. The occupation focuses on personalized care, and it can be easier for patients to make an appointment to see a nurse practitioner rather than attempt to work with a busy doctor’s schedule. Nurse practitioners provide the same services as physicians. In addition, most insurance plans cover nurse practitioner services.
What Kind of Training Do I Need to Become a Nurse Practitioner?
Registered nurses must earn at least a master’s education in healthcare to become certified as nurse practitioners. Courses cover adult healthcare, acute health, and other related topics. Finishing a master’s degree program typically takes two to three years, after which prospective nurse practitioners must also become certified by the state in which he or she wishes to practice. The criteria for practitioner certification vary between states. Even after receiving certification, many states require that practitioners seek relicensing within a certain time frame. This ensures that active nurse practitioners are still keeping up with medical trends and staying relevant.
