Nurse Practitioner

A Nurse practitioner is a registered nurse who has completed a master’s degree in order to prescribe medicine and function in a similar capacity as a physician. Depending on the state, nurse practitioners can prescribe medicine, perform minor procedures, and operate much like a physician. However, they generally must work directly underneath a physician who oversees their function. Much like CRNA’s (Also referred to as nurse anesthetists), NP’s serve a very valuable function in the medical community.

As of 2013, nurse practitioners will be required to obtain their Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). This means that when one sees their family nurse practitioner, they will be able to call him or her “doctor” during their visit. Of course, this is not the only reason. An increase in required education will be beneficial for physicians, nurse practitioners, and the patients who see them. It is becoming more and more common to see nurse practitioners who have already obtained their doctorate.

It is not also uncommon for patients to see a pediatric nurse practitioner when they visit their pediatrician, or a neonatal nurse practitioner when a child needs extra care in the neonatal intensive care unit. In many mental health facilities, psychiatric nurse practitioners fill the gap left by the shortage of psychiatric physicians. Many nurse practitioners are able to specialize within their particular field of interest, providing more access to care for patients in need.

If you are considering hiring a nurse practitioner, or if you are a nurse practitioner looking for your next position, please click on the green box at the top of this page. The hiring demand for nurse practitioners (and physician assistants) increased by over 500% from 2006 to 2010 alone. With the change in the market it is likely that hiring managers as well as nurse practitioners will need help in securing the right position or the right practitioner.