What is a Nurse Practitioner?

A nurse practitioner (NP) is a registered nurse with a master’s degree in advanced practice nursing.  After completing the educational requirements the nurse practitioner then must pass a  board examination to be certified by a national accrediting body. National certification is offered through various nursing organizations and board certification is offered in specialty areas such as family practice, pediatrics, adult health, geriatrics, acute care, women's health and midwifery. Nurse practitioners are licensed by the state in which they intend to practice.

Nurse practitioners provide a broad range of preventive and medical services. The nurse practitioner can diagnose, treat and manage most acute and chronic illnesses and injuries.  The NP is qualified to provide a number of health care services such as taking the patient's history and performing a physical exam. Nurse practitioners also can order laboratory tests and procedures and prescribe medications.  Some nurse practitioners work independently while others function as part of a larger health care team.

Nurse practitioner jobs

Nurse practitioners are employed in primary care clinics as well as within several specialties, including pediatrics, women's health, cardiology, internal medicine, mental health, home care, geriatrics, surgery, hospitals and emergency departments. In many states nurse practitioners can work independently, some nurse practitioners open their own offices and clinics.
The nurse practitioner job outlook is expected to be excellent with the demand for nurse practitioner job opportunities increasing. Employment  and jobs for nurse practitioners is because NPs are able to deliver quality cost effective healthcare.  As healthcare costs continue to increase, so will the demand for nurse practitioner jobs.