A nurse practitioner (NP) is one of the most qualified positions in the field of nursing. Highly trained NPs are responsible for the primary healthcare of patients but also have the authority and training to administer drugs and fluids.
A nurse practitioner is a specialized position in healthcare and because of the extensive training and educational requirements, you can expect to be training for at least six to eight years.
Although it isn't absolutely necessary to become a registered nurse when you first begin studying to become more qualified, you will eventually have to sit and pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) to obtain your nursing license.
Whether you undertake an accredited nursing program at a nursing school or online, you will also be required to complete clinical internships that provide you with the practical skills to become a good nurse. As a fully qualified RN, you will be able to work in a hospital or health clinic while completing your more advanced nursing education.
Therefore to move your career forward and become a nurse practitioner, you will need to complete a four-year degree Bachelor of Science Nursing degree (BSN) and also become a fully licensed Registered Nurse (RN). Once you have completed your BSN degree you are halfway to becoming a highly specialized nurse.
You will then need to undertake a Master's Degree in Nursing (MSN), which involves another four years of study. NP degrees provide you with U.S medical board certification in your chosen nursing specialty and you will be able to provide a a wide range of healthcare services..
At the moment, nursing practitioners can practice independently in about half the states in the U.S. This includes evaluating a patient's history and perform physical examinations to diagnose or evaluate a disease or complaint.
You can order, perform and evaluate a patient's lab results. X-rays, EKGs and other tests. Nurse practitioner's have the skills to evaluate and treat many medical illnesses such as hypertension and diabetes.
You'll be qualified to write prescriptions for medications, vaccinations and the screening of various diseases. NPs can also provide acute and emergency care and help with child-care, patient education and preventative medical services including annual physical checkups and specialist care.
Although there are common duties and responsibilities of all nurse practitioners, they vary by specialty depending on your particular advanced nursing training and field of expertise. NP specialties include primary care, pediatrics, geriatrics, oncology and psychiatric care.
You'll work in both inpatient and outpatient environments both independently and as part of a highly qualified nursing and medical team. Generally, nurse practitioners are responsible for educating patients about preventative care and treatment, while also prescribing their medications.
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