Everything You Need To Know About Nurse Practitioners
A Nurse Practitioner (NP) is an advanced practice registered nurse who provides primary and specialty healthcare services. NPs are fully qualified professionals with the knowledge and skills to diagnose, treat, and manage a wide range of medical conditions. They can also provide preventive care, health promotion, and education to patients of all ages. If you're considering becoming a nurse practitioner, here's what you need to know about how to become one and what you can expect from a nurse practitioner program.
What Does a Nurse Practitioner Do?
Nurse practitioners may work in any number of settings, including hospitals, clinics, private practices, community health centers, schools, or nursing homes. They typically provide care for both acute and chronic illnesses, including:
- Preventative care services, such as immunizations and screenings
- Order diagnostic tests, such as lab work or X-rays
- Prescribe medications
- Counsel patients on lifestyle changes
- Refer patients to specialists
- Assist in performing minor surgeries
- Provide patient education on topics like healthy behaviors and nutrition.
How Is a Nurse Practitioner Different from a Medical Doctor?
Nurse practitioners have a wide range of duties and responsibilities, but they are not medical doctors. NPs also focus on preventive care, health promotion, patient education, and lifestyle changes as opposed to solely focusing on diagnosis and treatment.
How Do You Become a Nurse Practitioner?
To become a nurse practitioner, you will need at least a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree and an active nursing license. After earning a BSN, you will need to continue your education to earn both a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) and a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) before applying for certification as a nurse practitioner. Some nurse practitioner programs combine both degrees into one program.
What Do You Learn in a Nurse Practitioner Program?
Once accepted into an accredited NP program, you will need to complete coursework in several areas, including:
- Pharmacology
- Pathophysiology
- Physical assessment skills
- Healthcare management theory and practice
- Advanced nursing research methods and practice development models
Upon completion of the program, students must pass a national certification exam administered by one of several boards recommended by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP).
Can You Take a Nurse Practitioner Program Online?
Many online options are available for those interested in becoming an NP, offering flexibility for those with busy schedules or who live far away from traditional classroom settings. However, it is important to note that while some online programs may offer accelerated completion times, some states may require additional clinical hours beyond those required by online programs. Therefore, it is important to research your state's requirements before enrolling in an online NP program.
Becoming a nurse practitioner is an excellent way to further your career in healthcare while providing valuable services to patients across the country. If you're looking for an exciting career that offers personal fulfillment and job security, consider a nurse practitioner program near you today.