|
Nurse practitioners (NPs) have provided health-care services to
patients for more than 40 years. The nurse practitioner role had
its inception in the mid-1960s in response to a nationwide shortage
of physicians. NPs provide primary and some acute care, and are
qualified to meet the majority of patients’ health-care needs.
They promote a comprehensive approach to health care and emphasize
the overall health and wellness of their patients.
NPs are registered nurses (RNs) who are prepared, through advanced
education and clinical training, to provide preventive and acute
health-care services to individuals of all ages. Today, most NPs
complete graduate-level education that leads to a master’s
degree. They work independently and collaboratively on the health-care
team.
Choose a program:
More About Nurse Practitioners
NPs take health histories and provide complete physical examinations,
diagnose and treat many common acute and chronic problems, interpret
laboratory results and X-rays, prescribe and manage medications
and other therapies, provide health teaching and counseling to support
healthy lifestyle behaviors and prevent illness, and refer patients
to other health professionals as needed.
An NP provides high-quality, cost-effective and individualized
care for patients, families and communities. NPs are authorized
to practice across the nation and have privileges to prescribe medications,
in varying degrees in all 50 states.
Career Opportunities
Nursing is the largest health-care occupation, with more than two
million jobs. Overall, it’s one of the 10 occupations projected
to have the largest numbers of new jobs.
Nurse practitioners (NPs) are in high demand to provide health
promotion, health maintenance and sick-care services.
According to the American Nurses Association, approximately 60
to 80 percent of primary and preventive care can be performed by
nurse practitioners. The growing emphasis on prevention and public
health will continue to create excellent job opportunities for NPs.
Earning Potential
According to the 2007 survey data from the American Academy of Nurse
Practitioners, the average annual salary for all specialties of
full-time nurse practitioners is $86,486.
Professional Organizations
Visit the following Web sites to learn more about the role of nurse
practitioner:
|
