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What Does a Nurse Practitioner Do?

A nurse practitioner (NP) is an advanced practice nurse who may work in a variety of employment settings, providing preventive and primary care services as well as management of acute and chronic health problems. Nurse practitioners are trained to take a complete medical history, do a physical exam, order tests, make a diagnosis and treatment plan, and prescribe medications. NPs function independently within the scope of their state's nurse practice act and in consultation with physicians for more complex medical problems.

Education and Training Required to Become a Nurse Practitioner

Although there is no specific nurse practitioner degree, becoming a nurse practitioner requires earning a master of science degree in nursing (MSN). Nurse practitioner degree programs typically involve two years of classroom and clinical experience following the completion of a bachelor of science in nursing. You can earn an online MSN degree with clinical rotations at a local facility or complete your degree program on campus. Programs may focus on family, adult, pediatrics, women's health, or other specialties. The doctor of nursing practice degree is becoming more common and may be required for nurse practitioners in the future.

Typical Characteristics of a Nurse Practitioner

A typical nurse practitioner has completed an undergraduate nursing degree and has experience with the nursing care of both hospitalized and ambulatory care patients. A desire to specialize and to provide more comprehensive care is often the motivation for pursuing a nurse practitioner degree program. Nurse practitioners enjoy the responsibility and challenge of problem solving, developing therapeutic relationships, and assisting individuals to a better level of health.

High Demand for Nurse Practitioners

A shortage of primary care health providers, especially in under-served areas, ensures a good outlook for nurse practitioners. Over the 45 years since the establishment of the first nurse practitioner program at the University of Colorado, evidence for the quality of care that NPs provide has led to increasing acceptance of this expanded nursing role. Income varies with specialty and geographic area. The American Academy of Nurse Practitioners reported that in 2008 the average income was $92,100. That puts nurse practitioner salaries in the top 10 percent for nurses, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.