Why Become a Nurse Practitioner?
Becoming a nurse practitioner is taking your nursing career to the top of the profession. As a nurse you have built a career based on medical knowledge and your own experiences, as a nurse practitioner you are taking that knowledge to a new level where you can practice to the full limit of your abilities. Becoming a nurse practitioner gives you greater autonmony in your nursing practice. In some states you can start your own clinic and be your own boss, no physician oversight is required. Another reason to become a nurse practitioner is a greater level of income. Nurse practitioners are also enjoying a great demand for their services. The need for services at all levels of healthcare is leading the development of ever more care models where nurse practitioners will be needed.
Nurse practitioners are advanced-level nurses that are responsible for the care of their patients in a very similar manner to a physician. In fact, most states permit nurse practitioners (NPs) to act completely independently of a physician, however, some states require that NPs work collaboratively with licensed doctors. This is in contrast to lower level nurses, such as registered or licensed vocational nurses, who are often not given the same level of freedom and responsibilities. Should you decide to become a nurse practitioner, you’ll likely find that it is a great way to gain the satisfaction that comes with helping people, while at the same time being your own boss. So, how exactly does one achieve this goal? Obtaining both your BSN (bachelor’s of science in nursing), your designation as a registered nurse, and your master’s in nursing with an accredited nurse practitioner specialization are the only requirements to become a nurse practitioner. Most, if not all, NP programs will
