Nurse Practitioner

A nurse practitioner is a registered nurse who has achieved their
master’s degree or higher education level. With the higher degree and
skill in a variety of medical areas, nurse practitioners work in a
variety of health care areas. One of the benefits available to a nurse
practitioner is the ability to specialize in a particular field if they
choose. Nurse practitioners may work in any number of different health
care fields and may further their education to become certified in
other areas at any time.

For example, a nurse practitioner
may specialize in pediatrics and work in pediatric offices, or a nurse
practitioner may specialize in psychiatry and can work in almost the
same capacity as a psychiatrist. Another advantage that nurse
practitioners have is that they can often write prescriptions for
medications where other nurses may not.

To become a nurse
practitioner will require that you follow the laws and rules as they
are set forth by your state. Each state may have different rules and
requirements for nurse practitioners and they may vary in the amount of
responsibility each nurse may practice. Some states allow nurse
practitioners to practice medicine on a level that is comparable to
physicians. Many of these nurses work independently and in their own
practice.

Nurse practitioners are Registered Nurses who then
pursue their license as a Nurse Practitioner. Depending upon the course
and the degree previously held, it may take an additional four years to
become licensed as an NP. There are two organizations that offer NP
certification programs. These are the Academy of Nurse Practitioners
and the American Nurses Credentialing Center. NPs offer assistance and
help people reach their health care goals. They are certified in
special areas and can provide personalized care to meet individual’s
needs. Many nurses feel that becoming an NP is the best route for their
nursing career.