Nurse Practitioners begin as registered nurses and obtain additional education and certifications. The qualifications for certification vary by state. Nurse Practitioners must first gain experience as a registered nurse, while working with patients along side an experienced Nursing Practitioner or physician. They may then apply to nursing schools that offer advanced practice programs.
Nurse Practitioner jobs are available in a wide variety of clinical settings such as hospitals, private physician offices, schools, county health clinics, home health care agencies, nursing homes, and even prisons.
A Nursing Practitioner is allowed to exercise a great deal of autonomy and independent judgment in her practice. Most provide basic care focused on common illnesses and injuries and in many states are authorized to write prescriptions. Nursing Practitioners offer greater access to primary health care at reduced costs. Some Nurse Practitioners specialize in treating patients long-term with common chronic conditions including, high blood pressure, diabetes, and asthma. A Nurse Practitioner has a strong focus on disease prevention and patient education.
Other areas of advanced practice nursing available in Nurse Practitioner jobs:
Certified Nurse Midwives (CNM) - provide prenatal care, deliver babies, and provide post-partum care to normal healthy women. A CNM must graduate from a state-approved school of nursing and pass a national licensing exam. A CNM must also hold at least a Master's of Nursing or higher degree.
Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNA) - administer anesthesia to keep patients pain free for all types of surgery in hospitals, doctor's offices, and dental practices. A CRNA is a registered nurse that holds at least a master's degree and must also pass a national certification examination.
Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNS) - deliver specialty care in a number of areas including: cardiology, oncology, neonatology, OB/GYN, pediatrics, neurology, and mental health. The expertise of a CNS elevates the quality of patient care. She anticipates and troubleshoots problems and complications with an emphasis on prevention.
Sub-specialty Areas of Nursing
Certified Wound and Ostomy Nurse (CWON) - provide expertise for patients and staff nurses in the area of wound, ostomy and continence care.
Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (CPNP) Otorhinolaryngology (ENT) commonly known as ear, nose and throat - provide care and consultation for children with tracheotomies. This type of CPNP coach staff nurses who are novices and provides education for parents, when their children will be discharged from the hospital. They may also participate in programs designed to educate school personal such as teachers, principals, and school bus drivers in the basic care of children with tracheotomies.
International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) - These healthcare professionals are dedicated to promoting, protecting and supporting breastfeeding worldwide. They possess credentialed knowledge and experience to manage maternal-child breastfeeding success.
Rehabilitation Nurse Specialist - focuses on getting patients back to normal daily activities following serious injuries and strokes. They practice in hospitals, nursing homes, and home health care settings.
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