Nurse Practitioner (NP)
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Job Description
A nurse practitioner (NP) is a registered nurse trained in advanced practice who can provide care to patients throughout the span of years, from premature newborns to the elderly.
Nurse practitioners are an integral part of the overall health care provider system.
Responsibilities
Nurse practitioners must utilize critical thinking skills when obtaining relevant information about their patient’s health status.
They may sometimes need to consult a wide variety of sources, such as the patient’s verbal responses to interrogatories, the clinical examination of the patient and the results of diagnostic tests.
They must make use of the acquired data to independently make evidence-based decisions about their patient’s conditions and potential treatments.
A nurse practitioner must be able to cope well with stress, as their work places them in a position of direct involvement with human suffering, life-threatening emergencies and other pressures.
Nurse practitioners can perform any of the following comprehensive and focused health care interventions:
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Identification and treatment of common acute illnesses and injuries
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Provide necessary immunizations
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Management of chronic health problems, such as diabetes, high blood pressure and depression
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Order and evaluate diagnostic tests such as EKGs, X-rays and laboratory tests
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Prescribe therapies and routine medications
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Perform medical procedures
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Providing counseling and educational services to patients and their families and caregivers about healthy lifestyle choices and health care options
Nurse practitioners have the authority to practice independently in 26 states. They can prescribe medications in all 50 states, including controlled substances.
Skills
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Mental Endurance |
Must be able to handle pressure and the demanding work and long hours that comes with their job title. |
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Physical Endurance |
NPs are on their feet all the time and need to be able to respond quickly to situations as they arise. |
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Stress Management |
They must manage the stress and pressure that comes with their job. |
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Empathy |
Being able to relate to patients on an emotional level and understand what they go through is super important for NPs because interact with patients constantly. |
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Organization |
Must be able to situate tasks and documents so as not to mix up records or medications. |
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Communication |
They must communicate between patients and their families so they have to communicate clearly and relay information at a high level. |
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Patience |
Becoming a nurse practitioner and advancing in the field takes time, so it's important to take it slow and easy and save yourself a ton of anxiety. |
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Detail-Oriented |
NPs have a ton of tasks they must perform, so they have to pay attention so as not to mix up medications and seriously injure or harm a patient. |
|
Critical Thinking |
Must constantly be devising new ways of interacting with people, adapt to changes, and learn about the things a medical professional needs to know. |
Working Conditions
There are approximately 15 percent of all nurse practitioners providing health care services in their own private practices.
There are also a growing number of nurse-managed health care centers across the United States.
In these facilities, all of the health care is provided by and directed by nurse practitioners working in collaboration with other health care professionals.
In addition to private practice, nurse practitioners may find employment opportunities in the following areas:
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Medical clinics
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Doctor’s offices
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Hospitals
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Managed care organizations
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Service organizations focusing on rural areas
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Community health centers in urban areas
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Community college and university campuses
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Employee wellness and health care centers
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Health care technology companies, such as pharmaceutical manufacturers
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Health care research facilities
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Educational roles in schools and universities
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Governmental agencies, such as health departments or military service
Depending on the area where he or she is working, the nurse practitioner’s work schedule may be a standard workweek, or it may include weekend and holiday rotations. There may be on-call hours required, as well.
Nurse practitioners (NPs) are highly and actively recruited as the number of primary care physicians decreases nationwide. NPs will continue to be sought after as the demand for health care services continues to increase.
Salary Outlook
| Estimated Annual Salary | Average Hourly Wage | Positions Nationwide |
|---|---|---|
| $99,000.00 | $47.60 | 127,000 |
Resources
NP vs DNP: What's the Difference and Which Degree Should You Pursue?
Nursing Associate's Degree Programs
Accelerated Nursing Bachelor's Degree Programs
Nursing Bachelor's Degree Programs
Nursing Master's Degree Programs
Accelerated Master's Nursing Degree Programs
Doctor of Nursing Practice Programs
American Nurses Credentialling Center (ANCC)
| Title | Company | Location | Posted |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nurse Practitioner (NP) School Clinic | MaineHealth | Norway, ME | 04.17.2019 |
| Stephens Memorial Hospital Department: MaineHealth Stephens Memorial Hospital/School Clinic Std Hrs/Wk: Full Time Shift: Day Shift Full/Part Time: 40 Apply Internal Apply Create Job Alert Add to Cart Job Details: Western Maine... | |||
| Nurse Practitioner - Psych | Psych NP | Gerald Champion Regional Medical Center | Alamogordo, NM | 04.04.2019 |
| Up to $10k Sign-On and Relocation Assistance available Loan Forgiveness New Grads Welcome! Apply today. Our short application process takes less than 3 minutes on your phone, tablet or computer.... | |||
| Nurse Practitioner | Holzer | Gallipolis, OH | 04.16.2019 |
| Masters prepared graduate of an accredited NP program The Nurse Practitioner (NP), performs, under the responsibility of a physician, diagnostic, therapeutic and related tasks, thereby allowing the physicians to extend services through more... | |||
| Physician Assistant (PA) or Nurse Practitioner (NP)-Orthopedics | Northfield Hospital & Clinics | Northfield, MN | 01.11.2019 |
| The Orthopedics team is looking to add a Physician Assistant or Nurse Practitioner to their busy and highly reputable practice. In this position you'll see patients for a variety of Orthopedic services including general ortho, foot and ankle,... | |||
| Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner | Psych NP | New Grad | Gerald Champion Regional Medical Center | Alamogordo, NM | 04.04.2019 |
| Psych Nurse Practitioner New Grads Welcome! Up to $10,000 Sign-On Bonus Relocation Assistance & Education Loan Forgiveness Apply today. Our short application process takes less than 3 minutes on your... | |||
| Nurse Practitioner, Behavioral Services | FirstHealth of the Carolinas | Pinehurst, NC | 04.19.2019 |
| Nurse Practitioner needed for collaborative Behavioral Services group. PMH-NP certification and the ability to obtain a NC Nurse Practitioner license are required. Two or more years of NP experience is preferred. Experience with... | |||
| Nurse Practitioner NP or PA Family Medicine | Holy Rosary Healthcare - SCL Health | Miles City, MT | 04.08.2019 |
| Join the Holy Rosary Team! We are looking for a Physician Assistant or Nurse Practitioner with a strong work ethic and positive attitude to join our team! Full-time Day position Clinic Hours 7:30am - 5:30pm Open 7 days a week ... | |||
| Physician Assistant/Nurse Practitioner | Newberry County Memorial Hospital | Newberry, SC | 04.17.2019 |
| The Nurse Practitioner/Physician Assistant serves as an independent provider, collaborates with the physician and works with a variety of other healthcare professionals. The NP/PA will provide comprehensive assessment, diagnosis, ordering,... | |||
| Physician Assistant/Nurse Practitioner | FirstHealth of the Carolinas | Pinehurst, NC | 04.19.2019 |
| Experienced Physician Assistant or Nurse Practitioner needed for established primary care practice. This 100% outpatient position is part of a collegial team of providers. Seasoned hospitalist service offers direct admit, consult, and inpatient... | |||
| Nurse Practitioner Cardiology - Inpatient | MaineHealth | Biddeford, ME | 04.17.2019 |
| Southern Maine Health Care Department: MaineHealth Southern Maine Health Care/Cardiology BHCD Std Hrs/Wk: Full Time Shift: Day Shift Full/Part Time: 40 Apply Internal Apply Create Job Alert Add to Cart Job Details: Position... | |||
| Nurse Practitioner- Damariscotta- Outpatient | MaineHealth | Damariscotta, ME | 04.17.2019 |
| Maine Behavioral Healthcare Department: MaineHealth Maine Behavioral Healthcare/Psych DAMR Std Hrs/Wk: Full Time Shift: Day Shift Full/Part Time: 40 Apply Internal Apply Create Job Alert Add to Cart Job Details: Damariscotta, ME... | |||
| Nurse Practitioner Walk In Saco | MaineHealth | Saco, ME | 04.17.2019 |
| Southern Maine Health Care Department: MaineHealth Southern Maine Health Care/Walk In Saco Std Hrs/Wk: Full Time Shift: Day/Evening Full/Part Time: 36 Apply Internal Apply Create Job Alert Add to Cart Job Details: Position... | |||
| Nurse Practitioner -Family Medicine Sanford | MaineHealth | Sanford, ME | 04.17.2019 |
| Southern Maine Health Care Department: MaineHealth Southern Maine Health Care/Family Medicine San MOB Std Hrs/Wk: Full Time Shift: Day Shift Full/Part Time: 40 Apply Internal Apply Create Job Alert Add to Cart Job Details:... | |||
| Nurse Practitioner Walk in Waterboro | MaineHealth | Waterboro, ME | 04.17.2019 |
| Southern Maine Health Care Department: MaineHealth Southern Maine Health Care/Walk in Waterboro Std Hrs/Wk: Full Time Shift: Day/Evening Full/Part Time: 40 Apply Internal Apply Create Job Alert Add to Cart Job Details: Position... | |||
| Nurse Practitioner -Walk In Waterboro | MaineHealth | Waterboro, ME | 04.17.2019 |
| Southern Maine Health Care Department: MaineHealth Southern Maine Health Care/Walk in Waterboro Std Hrs/Wk: Part Time Shift: Day/Evening Full/Part Time: 30 Apply Internal Apply Create Job Alert Add to Cart Job Details: Position... | |||
-
Nurse Practitioner (NP) School Clinic
Portland, ME
MaineHealth
Stephens Memorial Hospital Department: MaineHealth Stephens Memorial Hospital/School Clinic Std Hrs/Wk: Full Time Shift: Day Shift Full/Part Time: 40 Apply Internal Apply Create Job Alert Add to Cart Job Details: Western Maine...
-
Nurse Practitioner - Psych | Psych NP
Alamogordo, NM
Gerald Champion Regional Medical Center
Up to $10k Sign-On and Relocation Assistance available Loan Forgiveness New Grads Welcome! Apply today. Our short application process takes less than 3 minutes on your phone, tablet or computer....
-
Nurse Practitioner
Gallipolis, OH
Holzer
Masters prepared graduate of an accredited NP program The Nurse Practitioner (NP), performs, under the responsibility of a physician, diagnostic, therapeutic and related tasks, thereby allowing the physicians to extend services through more...
-
Physician Assistant (PA) or Nurse Practitioner (NP)-Orthopedics
Northfield, MN
Northfield Hospital & Clinics
The Orthopedics team is looking to add a Physician Assistant or Nurse Practitioner to their busy and highly reputable practice. In this position you'll see patients for a variety of Orthopedic services including general ortho, foot and ankle,...
-
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner | Psych NP | New Grad
Alamogordo, NM
Gerald Champion Regional Medical Center
Psych Nurse Practitioner New Grads Welcome! Up to $10,000 Sign-On Bonus Relocation Assistance & Education Loan Forgiveness Apply today. Our short application process takes less than 3 minutes on your...
-
Nurse Practitioner, Behavioral Services
Pinehurst, NC
FirstHealth of the Carolinas
Nurse Practitioner needed for collaborative Behavioral Services group. PMH-NP certification and the ability to obtain a NC Nurse Practitioner license are required. Two or more years of NP experience is preferred. Experience with...
-
Nurse Practitioner NP or PA Family Medicine
Miles City, MT
Holy Rosary Healthcare - SCL Health
Join the Holy Rosary Team! We are looking for a Physician Assistant or Nurse Practitioner with a strong work ethic and positive attitude to join our team! Full-time Day position Clinic Hours 7:30am - 5:30pm Open 7 days a week ...
-
Physician Assistant/Nurse Practitioner
Newberry, SC
Newberry County Memorial Hospital
The Nurse Practitioner/Physician Assistant serves as an independent provider, collaborates with the physician and works with a variety of other healthcare professionals. The NP/PA will provide comprehensive assessment, diagnosis, ordering,...
-
Physician Assistant/Nurse Practitioner
Pinehurst, NC
FirstHealth of the Carolinas
Experienced Physician Assistant or Nurse Practitioner needed for established primary care practice. This 100% outpatient position is part of a collegial team of providers. Seasoned hospitalist service offers direct admit, consult, and inpatient...
-
Nurse Practitioner Cardiology - Inpatient
Portland, ME
MaineHealth
Southern Maine Health Care Department: MaineHealth Southern Maine Health Care/Cardiology BHCD Std Hrs/Wk: Full Time Shift: Day Shift Full/Part Time: 40 Apply Internal Apply Create Job Alert Add to Cart Job Details: Position...
-
Nurse Practitioner- Damariscotta- Outpatient
Portland, ME
MaineHealth
Maine Behavioral Healthcare Department: MaineHealth Maine Behavioral Healthcare/Psych DAMR Std Hrs/Wk: Full Time Shift: Day Shift Full/Part Time: 40 Apply Internal Apply Create Job Alert Add to Cart Job Details: Damariscotta, ME...
-
Nurse Practitioner Walk In Saco
Portland, ME
MaineHealth
Southern Maine Health Care Department: MaineHealth Southern Maine Health Care/Walk In Saco Std Hrs/Wk: Full Time Shift: Day/Evening Full/Part Time: 36 Apply Internal Apply Create Job Alert Add to Cart Job Details: Position...
-
Nurse Practitioner -Family Medicine Sanford
Portland, ME
MaineHealth
Southern Maine Health Care Department: MaineHealth Southern Maine Health Care/Family Medicine San MOB Std Hrs/Wk: Full Time Shift: Day Shift Full/Part Time: 40 Apply Internal Apply Create Job Alert Add to Cart Job Details:...
-
Nurse Practitioner Walk in Waterboro
Portland, ME
MaineHealth
Southern Maine Health Care Department: MaineHealth Southern Maine Health Care/Walk in Waterboro Std Hrs/Wk: Full Time Shift: Day/Evening Full/Part Time: 40 Apply Internal Apply Create Job Alert Add to Cart Job Details: Position...
-
Nurse Practitioner -Walk In Waterboro
Portland, ME
MaineHealth
Southern Maine Health Care Department: MaineHealth Southern Maine Health Care/Walk in Waterboro Std Hrs/Wk: Part Time Shift: Day/Evening Full/Part Time: 30 Apply Internal Apply Create Job Alert Add to Cart Job Details: Position...