Are you looking for an incredibly varied career packed full of opportunities and excitement every day of the week?
Then you need to become a nurse practitioner!
A job in healthcare is perfect for people who like variety, and the various nurse practitioner specialties can accommodate a wide range of interests and skills.
When you become a nurse practitioner, you can choose to focus on a specific area of healthcare as you work with patients.
You will help with the prevention of disease or illness, as well as treat those already suffering from an illness or injury. And because nurse practitioners are essential parts of the healthcare team, their services are very important in any medical environment.
What Is A Nurse Practitioner?
A nurse practitioner is a registered professional who provides health care services under the supervision of a licensed medical doctor. Their duties include diagnosis, prevention, wellness promotion, treatment, and management of common illnesses or injuries that are not severe enough to require an inpatient hospital stay.
The most popular specialty areas are family nurse practitioner, geriatric nurse practitioner, adult/geriatric care nurse practitioner, and pediatric advanced practice nursing.
Routes Into Nursing
If you are considering a career in nursing, you'll need to complete some training and education before you can begin applying for jobs, and this varies from program to program.
In the past, training usually involved a 4-year degree and a 2-year postgraduate diploma, but now there are many online studying options for you to complete. You may even choose to later do an online DNP / MSN to DNP course to get your Doctor of Nursing Practice degree.
Choosing The Right Specialty
Before you choose to become a nurse practitioner, you should research the different areas of healthcare and decide which one would suit you best.
If you are interested in specializing in a certain area, make sure that it is one you are passionate about.
For example, some specialties are better suited to men than women, while some areas provide easier access to higher wages.
Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AG-ACNP)
Adult-gerontology acute care nurse practitioners (AG-ACNP) care for older adults suffering from an acute illness. Their main role is to offer quality healthcare services to patients suffering from common diseases or injuries which are not life-threatening.
The AG-ACNP also looks after complex cases, and they provide additional services to hospice patients that are suffering from terminal illnesses. In addition, they work closely with other healthcare team members and may be at the forefront of research relating to geriatrics.
Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
Family nurse practitioners (FNPs) tend to patients in a variety of healthcare settings. Their aim is to provide a patient-centered healthcare experience by providing care people can trust.
They care for children, adults, and families by consulting with patients and taking a holistic approach to their treatment.
FNPs work in a variety of different clinical settings, including hospitals, medical clinics, nursing homes, or urgent care facilities. They have the ability to see patients on an outpatient basis and also have hospital privileges.
Emergency Nurse Practitioner (ENP)
In the United States, the emergency nurse practitioner is a registered nurse who has been licensed to prescribe medication and perform other less-invasive procedures.
In some states, individuals who have completed a DNP program may obtain ENP credentials. This is done by completing a course accredited by the College of Emergency Medicine.
Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (NNP)
Working in NICU, a neonatal nurse practitioner is an advanced practice nurse who cares for newborns in intensive care units. Their services include coordinating the care of other healthcare professionals, assessing and treating patients, and providing education about neonatal conditions to other medical staff.
Neonatology nurses may also perform procedures such as intubations, lumbar punctures, and fluid administration.
Orthopedic Nurse Practitioner (ONP)
Orthopedic Nurse Practitioners have a specific role in the medical team. They are responsible for providing patients with planned, systematic healthcare over some time. In addition, they recommend preventative solutions for problems arising from orthopedic conditions.
The Orthopedic Nurse Practitioner provides medical treatment and advice to prevent injuries or complications resulting from disease, illness, or injury occurring in the musculoskeletal system.
Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (PNP-AC)
Acute care nursing for children is covered by the Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (PNP-AC). These professionals work alongside the pediatrician and offer support to other members of the team.
In many cases, a PNP-AC may work as a supervisory nurse regarding medical equipment and patient care. They also give demonstrations and participate in patient and family education.
Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP)
If working with children is something you are passionate about, becoming a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner is a great option. You will be a part of the healthcare team by providing holistic care for infants, adolescents, and young adults.
As an advanced practice nurse, you'll be able to manage children with serious illnesses or chronic conditions and provide ongoing education to patients, parents, or caregivers. This is an important role within family medicine because of the importance of early diagnosis and long-term management for many pediatric conditions.
Psychiatric and Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)
This is a relatively new entry to the nursing qualifications list, and many health insurance companies still do not cover these nurses. Some employers also require their staff to be fully licensed or certified.
The PMHNP specializes in providing mental and behavioral health services to patients and their families. They diagnose and treat common mental and physical disorders, including depression, anxiety disorders, or bipolar disorder.
The PMHNP may provide psychotherapy for patients with severe mental illness who are at high risk of self-injury or suicide, such as those with youth depression who may be experiencing suicidal thoughts.
Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (ACNP)
Working in acute care with people of all ages is the job of an Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (ACNP) - a registered nurse with special training.
They work alongside doctors and other healthcare team members to provide acute, non-acute, or long-term care for patients or clients.
Some ACNPs specialize in pediatrics, while others prefer to focus on adult care. Some even become specialized in one area of acute care.
Most Acute Care Nurse Practitioners work within a hospital setting. They may look after patients as they undergo surgery and provide post-operative care as well as chronic care for those who suffer from a terminal illness.
Gerontological Nurse Practitioner (GNP)
If you enjoy working with older adults, the role of a Gerontological Nurse Practitioner could be a perfect fit. The role of a GNP is to work collaboratively with the patient, families, and the healthcare team to provide individualized care for seniors. They treat a wide variety of conditions in older adults, including osteoporosis or chronic pain.
There are a variety of areas in which GNPs may specialize. For example, some choose to care for patients with dementia, while others work within chronic care teams and provide holistic care for patients experiencing complex medical conditions such as diabetes, cancer, or cardiovascular problems.
Women's Health Nurse Practitioner (WHNP)
An important role in healthcare that is under threat in the US is that of a Women's Health Nurse Practitioner. These WHNPs work in a variety of settings, including private practices, hospitals, and clinics.
The area of women's health is vast, and this is reflected in the range of careers available to the WHNP. For example, they may specialize in breast health or work with female patients who have a domestic violence or sexual assault history.
The Women's Health Nurse Practitioner may also provide long-term care for patients suffering from chronic gynecological conditions such as ovarian cancer, endometriosis, or polycystic ovary syndrome.
Oncology Nurse Practitioner (AOCNP)
Working with cancer patients is the role of an Oncology Nurse Practitioner (AOCNP). These professionals are qualified to work alongside cancer specialists to provide cancer prevention, detection, and treatment. They may also work with cancer patients who are receiving chemotherapy or radiation therapy to aid in the recovery process.
The Oncology Nurse Practitioner will collaborate with other medical staff involved in the care of a patient, so they may focus on improving the quality of life for the patient and their family.
Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (PCNP)
Working in a primary care setting is the role of the Primary Care Nurse Practitioner. They are qualified to work independently to provide nutritional advice, health screenings, and basic medical care to patients.
This role is vital in rural or suburban communities where access to medical care is limited. PCNPs are often the only source of preventative medicine for people who lack easy access to healthcare facilities.
A PCNP may specialize in any number of areas, including maternity, pediatrics, or mental health.
Conclusion
Regardless of the specialty you have chosen to specialize in, you will have a lot of independence. You'll be able to set your own schedule and determine how you spend the day.
However, it is essential that a nurse practitioner is a good team player as they will be working closely with other healthcare professionals regularly.
While this may sound like a lot of money, it's important to remember that this figure does not include your salary when studying for your certification. In addition, most nursing students require at least two years to complete their course work and requirements to become certified nurse practitioners.
