NURSE PRACTITIONER
Overview
A nurse practitioner is a registered nurse with advanced academic and clinical experience, or an Advanced Practice Nurse. The nurse practitioner is able to diagnose and manage most common illnesses, either independently or as part of a health care team. Working in collaboration with a physician, a nurse practitioner provides high quality, cost effective, and individualized care. They are able to prescribe medications, and provide some care previously offered only by physicians. In some settings, often rural or inner-city locations, the nurse practitioner may be the primary care provider, collaborating with the supervising physician as needed. With a strong emphasis on primary care, nurse practitioners are employed within several specialties including neonatology, nurse-midwifery, pediatrics, school health, family and adult health, psychiatric/mental health, geriatrics, and acute care.
Details
Potential Employers
Hospitals
Health care clinics
Physician offices
Outpatient care centers
Managed care organizations
Employee health centers
Schools
Healthcare technology companies
Nursing schools and universities
Governmental agencies
Research entities – public and private
Medical and diagnostic laboratories
Work Environment
The work schedule, required duties, and work environment will vary among the different practice types and patient populations.
Job Outlook
Employment of nurse practitioners is expected to grow as the demand for healthcare services increase, and the numbers of primary care physicians decrease. Employment opportunities will be varied and prospects are expected to be excellent, but may depend on geographic location and employment setting.
Aptitudes
Ability to learn biological sciences and practices of nursing
Good math skills and strong verbal abilities for reading, writing and speaking
Good space and form perception, general coordination, and manual dexterity
Ability to handle a variety of activities, make decisions based on data and observations
Creativity, flexibility, ability to work under stress, and willingness to make decisions
Good communication and interpersonal skills
Education
Requirements
Nurse practitioners are educated through programs that grant either a certificate, a master’s degree, or a doctorate degree. A registered nurse should have extensive clinical experience before applying to a nurse practitioner program. An intensive preceptorship under the supervision of a physician or an experienced nurse practitioner, as well as instruction in nursing theory, are key components in most programs.
An applicant for a license to practice as a nurse practitioner must be a registered nurse, complete an approved advanced registered nurse practitioner program at the master’s level or above, and pass a national certifying exam.
Programs in Nebraska
Clarkson College – Omaha (Master’s)
Creighton Health Sciences – Omaha (Master’s)
University of Nebraska Medical Center – Omaha, Kearney, Lincoln, Norfolk, Scottsbluff (Master’s, Doctorate)
Related / Links
Other careers involving primary care and advanced practice or advanced degree preparation:
Nurse anesthetist
Physician assistant
Occupational therapist
Physical Therapist
Primary Care Physician
Professional Associations
American College of Nurse Practitioners
American Academy of Nurse Practitioners