What Exactly is a Nurse Practitioner?
A Nurse Practitioner is one of the highest degrees you can get within the nursing field. It can take many years to achieve this goal but it’s so worth the end result.
A Nurse Practitioner has many of the same responsibilities as all other areas of nursing. However, one of the main differences is that they are in a position of authority and oftentimes they are in charge of overseeing and supervising other nurses.
Nurse Practitioners work alongside the doctors or they can work alone in all areas of care for the patient, from the diagnosis to the treatment. They are highly qualified to work up the entire case due to all the education they have gone through. Nurse Practitioners are able to work independently from a doctor.
Where Do Nurse Practitioners Work?
Nurse Practitioners work in all areas of the health industry, from private offices to hospitals and everywhere in between. Nurse Practitioners can also start their own practice due to the fact that they are qualified to do everything from diagnosing illness to treatment plans.
How Much Do Nurse Practitioners Make?
As of May 2015, the Bureau of Labor Statistics states Nurse Practitioners are making an annual median salary of $104,740. Entry level NP’s are bringing in an annual median annual salary of $71,530 while those in the upper 10% are making a median annual pay of $171,560. The highest paying places to work for Nurse Practitioners are hospitals and doctor’s offices. Educational services and other health care facilities pay a bit less.
The job outlook for Nurse Practitioners between now and 2024 is 31% which is far faster than most other occupations. Job opportunities are abundant for nurses and highly qualified candidates will have no issue finding placement.