"You're WHAT kind of nurse?"

There are many different kinds of nursing roles, so it's difficult to know which one to choose if you're pursuing a career in nursing.

Nurse practitioners are responsible for a combination of duties normally performed by physicians. But how do nurse practitioners contribute to the medical field?

Nurse practitioners (aka "NPs") focus on a patient-centered model of care, rather than a disease model, leading the change for improvements.

The results? NPs provide patients with care that is timely, effective, equitable, and evidence-based.

• Assessing and diagnosing medical issues by interviewing, listening, and observing.

• Ordering and interpreting medical tests and recommending further procedures to confirm a diagnosis as needed.

• Prescribing medications and educating patients on managing treatments.

• Collaborating care for patients by ensuring the continuum of patient care by other health professionals.

Every health care setting!

• Clinics, hospitals, emergency rooms, urgent care facilities, and the regional medical centers of the Veteran's Administration (VA).

• They can also specialize in a variety of areas (e.g., pediatrics, geriatrics, neonatal, family practice, and mental health).

• There is steady job security and competitive salaries.

• You enjoy making a difference in the lives of your patients.

• You love to solve problems in a fast-paced environment.

• You see an opportunity to learn from decision-making, as you'll encounter many medical situations that may have more than one option for a solution.

• You hate the variability of working hours. Sorry, it's no 9 to 5!

• You like to have a consistent routine. Each day, you'll see a variety of people and health issues needing treatment plans.

• You don't like stressful or challenging work conditions. There are legal responsibilities, too!

• You're uncomfortable with the death of patients. Over time, this will contribute to emotional stress and negatively impact personal life.

• You like to have clear choices. There's LOTS of problem-solving every day and the choices aren't always easy to make.

In the U.S., the average salary for NPs is $123,780/year or $59.51/hour.

In Canada, the average salary for NPs is $112,967/year or $54.31/hour.

Simone

• Very friendly with all people

• Makes sound decisions, although can take too long to decide

Frankie

• Very quiet and studious, some say very book smart

• Is studying to become a registered nurse

Gemma

• Enjoys asking questions to problem-solve

• A real people person, always making conversation

Does it sound like becoming an NP could be a good path for you?

If it does...