Health Career: Nurse Practitioner
Who are nurse practitioners and what do they do?
Nurse practitioners are registered nurses who have the advanced education and experience necessary to perform many of the duties of a doctor, such as prescribing medications and providing physical examinations. Nurse practitioners are able to provide general medical care to patients who may not have access to a doctor. They diagnose illnesses and teach patients about proper health care.
How do nurse practitioners typically spend their workday?
As a nurse practitioner, you will generally work in a hospital, clinic or private doctor's office. You may work in a specialized area such as geriatrics, family care, obstetrics/gynecology or pediatrics. Over the course of a workday, you may take patients' health histories, perform physical examinations and order and analyze diagnostic tests. You can also recommend medicines and treatments. You will work closely with doctors to devise appropriate treatment plans for each patient.
What does it take to be a good nurse practitioner?
As a nurse practitioner, you should be organized, responsible, caring and compassionate. You should have a strong interest in science and medicine, and you should be hardworking and interested in working as part of a team.
What are some health-related jobs that are similar to that of a nurse practitioner?
Doctor, veterinarian, registered nurse.
Related links and helpful information:
- National League for Nursing
- American Nurses Association – NursingWorld.org
- NursingWorld.org – Planning a Career in Nursing
- Emergency Nurses Association
- American Holistic Nurses Association
- American Association of Colleges of Nursing
- RN to MSN
