A nurse practitioner is one of the most in-demand jobs in healthcare. They are ranked number 1 in the Best 100 Jobs list for 2024 by U.S. News. Even though this job is well-known, many people still do not understand what is needed to start this career. In reality, they must get specific licenses and skills before the official organisations say they are ready to work.
This article gives you a detailed overview of nurse practitioner jobs. What kind of education and training do they need, and what do their daily tasks look like? It will also explain what they are not allowed or qualified to do. The goal is to clear up the confusion between this job and other roles in healthcare.
Who is a nurse practitioner?
A nurse practitioner is a skilled healthcare worker who is officially registered and licensed. This means they must finish higher education and pass extra tests after their studies. Normally, you need to earn a bachelor’s degree in nursing before taking the license exam. This job is also known as an advanced practice registered worker because they can focus on treating more complex health problems.
A nurse practitioner must be certified by a national organisation. In the UK, the council in charge is the NMC. Nursing and Midwifery Council works under The Nursing and Midwifery Order 2001 (as amended). Anyone who wants to work as a professional caregiver in the UK must complete the course through them.
The training offered by NMC makes sure these aspiring professionals meet high standards in education, behaviour, and job skills. They also watch over midwives and other nursing workers. The education and training programs only run at their approved health and social care schools. Courses for a nurse practitioner usually take at least three years to finish.
Nurse practitioner job descriptions
Due to their advanced training and expertise, an advanced nurse practitioner is qualified to perform a wide range of medical responsibilities. Interns in this profession often help by taking patient histories, doing physical exams, and giving education to patients and their families. However, licensed ones can review lab test results and even prescribe medicine for those receiving care.
In general, what a nurse practitioner does can depend on the area they focused on during their studies. Their advanced healthcare courses may prepare them to support a specific group of patients, such as in women’s health, emergency services, or paediatrics. No matter their speciality, these are the main tasks for those who have passed the licensing exam:
Patient assessment and documentation
A nurse practitioner is in charge of writing down patient histories. After completing the initial exams and observations, they must ensure that medical records are properly updated. These records should include all symptoms, treatments, and both prescription and non-prescription drugs. The healthcare professionals need to keep the records clear and correct throughout the whole treatment. Before further treatment, they must also prepare and check the medical tools based on the information collected.
Patient and family education
Teaching patients and their families about illnesses and treatment plans requires strong care skills. A nurse practitioner should avoid using difficult medical words that are hard to follow. To explain clearly, they first need to gather information from patients and their guardians during the intake process. It is vital to make sure the clients and their families always understand what is happening at every stage.
Diagnostic and treatment plans
A nurse practitioner can ask for diagnostic tests and use certain medical devices if needed. After getting the test results, they review them and try to find out the cause of the symptoms. In some cases, they can make a diagnosis and develop a treatment plan. This should be done by working together with the doctors and other medics involved.
Team collaboration and supervision
Licensed caregivers supervise and review the work of other staff in clinics and hospitals to ensure they complete all tasks. They also make sure patients get the best treatment possible. In addition, they will work with other healthcare professionals to share ideas, build treatment plans, and help diagnose patients with rare or confusing symptoms.
Nurse practitioner salary
The average base salary of a nurse practitioner in the UK is around £43,887 per year. According to Glassdoor, the number can range between £31,000 to £50,000 per year. Their salary can change depending on a few things, such as education level, experience, and area of focus. For example, a professional with a master’s degree will likely earn more than someone with a diploma or bachelor’s degree.
Salaries for a nurse practitioner also vary depending on the country, state, or city you work in. Cities or districts with a higher cost of living usually pay more. The type of healthcare facility also affects salary. Some employers offer higher pay than others, and private hospitals or surgical centres often provide better wages. Another factor is your working hours and the shifts you take.
According to recent data, Certified Registered Nurse Anaesthetists (CRNAs) and Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioners (PMHNPs) are among the highest paid. These top-paying job roles come with big responsibilities. Fields like acute care or anesthesiology place nurse practitioners in high-pressure situations where making the right decision can save lives.
Can a nurse practitioner prescribe medication?
Yes, a nurse practitioner can recommend medication under certain conditions. First, they must complete extra prescribing courses approved by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC). In addition, there are limits on the types of medicine they can authorise. Most drugs are available to recommend, including antibiotics and controlled substances, as long as the medications fall within their area of expertise. In the UK, there are two main types of prescribers:
- Community Practitioner Nurse Prescribers (CPNP): This nurse practitioner has completed the NMC prescribing course. They also need to officially register with the NMC as a CPNP. Most professionals with this qualification are district, public health, community, and school caregivers.
- Independent Prescribers (IP): The NMC registers these medical personnel as Independent Prescribers after they pass the independent prescribing Course. They can give any medication as long as it matches their healthcare training and knowledge. This includes drugs listed in the BNF, unlicensed medicines, and all controlled drugs in schedules two to five.
The rules for caregivers prescribing medication are different in other countries. In the US, for example, a nurse practitioner has the authority to give medicine, including controlled drugs. However, each state has its own laws that control what kinds of medication these healthcare workers can recommend. Some states allow them to give the drugs freely, while others require doctors to closely supervise or work with them.
Conclusion
You must register with an approved regulatory council, complete required courses, and pass exams to work as a nurse practitioner in this field. The license you receive will then allow you to practice in the country or states you’re in. It shows that you have the skills, knowledge, and ability needed in healthcare. In general, this job has good potential because it offers a high salary. However, you need to choose your area of specialisation carefully, then plan your education and training based on that choice.
Before you can register as an advanced nurse practitioner with the NMC, you will take an initial test from the council to check that you have the basic knowledge needed. The College and Contract Management offers a wide range of healthcare courses, especially in pediatrics, mental health, social care, and adult care. These courses support what you’ve learned in school and help prepare you better for getting your license.
