By: Amit Kothiyal
Submitted: 2010-04-07 05:02:33 | Word Count: 393
A nurse practitioner can do more than a traditional registered nurse, but their job is not quite the same as that of a doctor. So what does a nurse practitioner do? This career has existed since the mid 1960s when there was a shortage of qualified physicians around the country. Thus, nurse practitioners can be considered as professionals who are capable of providing more acute care than other nurses in order to meet the health care needs of most patients. Individuals with more specialized needs will have to see a doctor, but these professionals can meet most basic needs.
There are many career options for nurse practitioners. The career information generally varies by state and by each health care facility, but a registered nurse must always undergo advanced education and clinical training before they can embark on this career. Usually, these professionals have master’s degrees before they begin providing preventive and acute health-care services. Some work independently and some work as part of a team, with a specialty ranging from obstetrics and gynecology to geriatric care.
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In some common jobs these nurses are responsible for providing complete physical examinations, recording health histories, interpreting laboratory results and x-rays, diagnosing and treating acute and chronic problems, and prescribing medications or therapies. At times, they also counsel patients on ways to prevent illness and live healthier lifestyles when necessary. This is an important nursing position as it offers health care institutions a way to provide high-quality, cost-effective, and individualized care for their patients.
These days, there are numerous job opportunities for nurse practitioners in every city and state with more than two million jobs in this field overall. The demand is on rise. In fact, even The American Nurses Association reports that between 60 and 80 percent of primary and preventative care is performed by nurse practitioners. If you choose this career, you can expect to make approximately $86,000 per year or even more with additional experience and work in certain specializations. It is one of the best jobs that a health care professional could currently choose in terms of career outlook, salary, and personal satisfaction.
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