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Nurse Practitioner

Nurse practitioners (NPs) require more education than registered nurses, but their knowledge is not quite at the physician level.  NPs may act as a patient’s healthcare provider, with typical duties including conducting physicals, obtaining and maintaining patient medical records, giving immunizations, and are capable of caring for patients of all ages.  They work with a number of physicians, assistants, nurses, and other professionals as necessary to ensure the best overall care for their patients.  Some may choose to specialize in women’s health, which commonly includes prenatal or family planning services, and are often employed within obstetric and gynecological offices, but nurse practitioners may be employed in any healthcare facility.

Although they offer similar services as physicians, a nurse practitioner’s educational requirements are much less.  Candidates are expected to complete registered nurse training programs that consist of two to four years of study.  While a bachelor’s education is the best option for candidates, additional education is necessary after they have completed an RN program.  Professionals commonly obtain a minimum of a master’s degree, with numerous internships or other on the job training programs before they pursue licensure.  Degree and licensure requirements vary by state, so professionals must gain licensure in the state they wish to practice.

It is expected that the need for nurse practitioners will grow at astonishing rates.  The versatility and knowledge that these associates possess are beneficial to any medical facility.  Many organizations continually utilize nurse practitioner capabilities rather than licensed physicians, therefore these careers are expected to slightly decrease the need for doctors in coming years.  Associates with an extensive educational background or employment history will experience the highest opportunities, but all qualified candidates should experience favorable outlooks, depending on their geographic area. 

Before making any employment commitments, candidates should consider all aspects of healthcare employment.  While these careers offer prestige and good pay, there are a number of sacrifices professionals must make.  Nurse practitioner jobs require associates to work long and often irregular hours, with shifts that may include daytime, evening, night, weekend, or holiday hours, or on a rotational or on call basis.  Some facilities may require professionals to travel to other clinics, offices, or patient homes in order to deliver care in a variety of settings.  Nurse practitioner careers are ever-changing, and require associates that are flexible and able to adapt to a number of situations quickly and accurately. 

For more information on a nurse practitioner career, please visit the following sites:

• HealthProfessions.com
• Ithaca Medical
• Quote.com
• Seattle University College of Nursing

If you are searching for a nurse practitioner career, or looking to hire a NP, please visit iHireMidLevelPractitioners.  We are a niche job board focusing only in nurse practitioner and physician assistant careers and candidates.