If you have recently faced a job loss, like many in the market today, you might be thinking about a job change. One profession that has been stable for many years is nursing. There are many levels of nursing you can consider, including nurse practitioner.
A nurse practitioner is not like many other nursing positions. Nurse practitioners are at a higher level than most. The position requires a higher educational level, usually a masters or doctoral degree. But along with the higher degree, a nurse practitioner is also able to do more than a regular nurse.
Nurse practitioners are trained to diagnose and treat illnesses. This is what makes a nurse practitioner different than other nurses. They do not just follow the orders of the attending doctor, but actually make the diagnosis themselves and decide the best course of treatment. What is most important to the nurse practitioner is to provide good individual care for their patients.
In the United States, nurse practitioners must be licensed by the state they will practice in. Once they receive the license from the state, they can apply for licensing at a national level. The national certification allows them to be recognized in a number of specific areas of medicine that they have received training in.
The way a nurse practitioner practices is different, depending on where they live. In many states, nurse practitioners are able to work completely independently. This allows them to work with patients without the need for any association with a doctor. In other states, nurse practitioners are required to be associated with a licensed doctor.
Nurse practitioners are, in essence, working as the attending physician for many patients. They diagnose illnesses, decide on the care that is necessary and manage the treatment. They are also able to prescribe any medication or any physical therapy the patient might need. In this respect, their job is very different than most nurses working today.
Being a nurse practitioner allows for a more independent career. Many working in the field have their own practices. Along with the added capabilities they are allowed, they also shoulder more responsibility than other nurses. The care of patients is in their hands, and that calls for proper diagnosis and treatment, just as it would if a doctor is managing the care of a patient.
Nancy was laid off from a job at a mortgage company. It was the third time it had happened in her career. It was almost like a blessing in disguise because the job had lost the challenge she once felt. Faced with a declining job market, Nancy decided to go back to school and become a nurse practitioner. She has now opened her own private practice and has never been happier in her life. She loves the daily interaction with patients and feels like she is making a difference in the lives of other.
Medical professions are exciting and rewarding in many ways. If you are looking for a new challenge or career, becoming a nurse practitioner might be just what you are looking for
Author Resource:
Although the medical field is highly competitive, there are various jobs that offer incomparable flexibility. Occupational therapy jobs offer a balanced lifestyle and many nurse practitioner jobs are tailored to the needs of nurses. http://www.sunbeltstaffing.com
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