Career as Nurse Practitioner
Nurse practitioners (NPs) provide quality health care to patients suffering from various illnesses. Nurse practitioners are trained to provide primary and some level of acute care to patients. They are qualified and have the skills to help patients and meet their health-care needs. Career as a nurse practitioner is excellent for aspiring nurses who like to help the sick and injured. Read further to learn more about pursuing a career as a nurse practitioner and what to expect in an online nursing degree program.
Training and Job Functions of Nurse Practitioner
Nurse practitioners work with a healthcare team to help promote good health and wellness to patients. They normally receive advanced training and clinical experience to provide healthcare to people of all ages and from all walks of life. Some primary care functions of nurse practitioners may include the following:
- Take patient’s health history
- Diagnose and treat common illnesses
- Provide complete physical examinations
- Treat acute and chronic problems
- Interpret laboratory results and X-rays
- Prescribe and manage medications
- Provide health promotion
- Provide health maintenance
- Provide sick-care services
- Provide health education
- Recommend therapies and referrals
- Provide emotional support and counseling
Career Opportunities with an Online Nurse Practitioner Degree
The healthcare industry is one of the largest employers in the nation, and nursing is the largest healthcare occupation. Nurse practitioners are in high demand in hospitals, physician’s offices and other medical care facilities. More than 50 percent of primary and preventative care including prescribing medications can be done by nurse practitioners holding the right degree level. With today’s nursing shortage, and the increase in preventative care, health and wellness, and overall health maintenance, nurse practitioners can continue to expect excellent job opportunities and pay.
Earning Potential of Nurse Practitioners
The median annual salary for nurse practitioners is around $86,500. Nurses with advanced degrees, specialization, and experience will earn more and have better job opportunities available to them. Also, earning potential for nurse practitioners will vary depending on employer, demographic location, experience, and degree level.
Should you Become a Nurse Practitioner?
If you’re interested in nursing, and would like to work in a medical care facility, helping to care for the sick and injured, a career as a nurse practitioner is an excellent choice. Explore online nursing schools to start your search for an online nurse practitioner program today.
Study Nursing Online
These days aspiring nurses have the ability to increase their education and career advancement by taking convenient online nursing degree programs while maintaining work and family responsibilities. If you would like to complete your nursing degree from home with a flexible schedule, an online degree in nursing is a perfect fit. Browse through the list of top online nursing schools listed on this site and begin your nursing career today.
