Nurse Practitioner Job Description - Salary, Education and Career Guide for Becoming a Nurse Practitioner

Nurse practitioners are registered nurses (RNs) who have advanced training. Though still nurses, they can also perform many of the functions as full-fledged physicians.

Job Description

Nurse practitioners are essentially nurses with many of the added responsibilities of physicians. Nurse practitioners have specialized training, usually in a specific field of health care, such as pediatrics or oncology. Like nurses, they identify symptoms, administer medication and provide immunizations, but like doctors they can write out prescriptions, prescribe physical therapy and make diagnoses. Nurse practitioners retrieve their patients' histories and conduct a complete medical examination. They run tests and analyze results. Practitioners can X-ray their patients to verify their diagnoses. They work with other doctors and nurses to provide continual care to their patients and regularly monitor their patients’ conditions.
 
Becoming a nurse practitioner requires dedication and commitment to a high-stress job that has a great deal of responsibility. Nurse practitioners are not only focused on the cure and care of patients, but the quality of treatment as well. Practitioners relieve doctors of too many patients, making their caseload lighter. Nurse practitioners can even have their own practices. It is sometimes more convenient to visit a family nurse practitioner in a private clinic than endure a long hospital wait.
 
There are several different kinds of nurse practitioners. A few types of nurse practitioners include:
  • Family nurse practitioners are trained to meet the needs of a whole family, treating colds and coughs and conducting physical exams.
 
  • Psychiatric nurse practitioners evaluate their patients' mental state, provide treatment plans and make sure they stick to the plans.
 
  • Women's health nurse practitioners can diagnose and treat most women's health problems, though serious problems will need to be diagnosed and treated by a doctor.
 

Salary Guide

Nurse practitioner salaries vary greatly. As with any career, salary varies by location and the resources of the employing institution. Recent studies have shown that in the United States, the median annual salary for nurse practitioners is about $86,500.

Education and Training

Becoming a nurse practitioner requires a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). This usually takes three or four years. Nursing programs provide an intense training, where prospective nurses learn how to administer shots and immunizations, test blood pressure, check vital signs and provide basic patient care. Prospective nurses also have the opportunity to complete clinical experiences that allow them to work in several different settings.
 
After completing your bachelor's degree, you will need to take a test that covers everything you should know to become a registered nurse (RN). After a few years as an RN, you can attend one of several nurse practitioner schools to complete a Master’s of Science in Nursing (MSN) program for a nurse practitioner. While working towards your master’s degree, you will decide what area you would like to specialize in. You will also need additional clinical practice to become a nurse practitioner. There are many nurse practitioner schools throughout the country, and it’s also possible to complete at least some coursework online.

Prior Work Experience

Prior experience working in a hospital as a nurse's aide, a candy striper or a licensed practical nurse (LPN) will help you decide whether a job as a nurse practitioner is right for you. Becoming a nurse practitioner requires experience as an RN. If you are a student thinking about becoming a nurse practitioner, you may want to find a job in a hospital or at a summer camp for experience, so that you can simultaneously gain real-world experience and work towards your degree.

Career Advancement

Nurse practitioners can advance their careers by adding specialties and earning more certificates. They can also open practices on their own or with a group of other nurse practitioners. If they decide to stay in the field, nurse practitioners will likely earn more responsibility, and a higher salary, over time.
 
Related Associations and Groups
  • American Academy of Nurse Practitioners
  • American College of Nurse Practitioners
  • American Psychiatric Nurses Association
  • National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties
  • Uniformed Nurse Practitioner Association.
 
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