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"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.
The Actual Job
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.
Quiz
Which of the following is an example of a responsibility of an NP?
Yes, an NP performs many functions, some of which are those of a registered nurse or doctor.
Where Can You Get Work As A Nurse Practitioner?
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.
Did you know?
You'll Love It If...
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.
Look For Another Career Path If...
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.
Pick The Future Nurse Practitioner
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
Quiz
Who sounds like the best fit for the career path of a nurse practitioner?
While all of these people have some great attributes needed to be a great nurse practitioner, the fact that Gemma enjoys asking questions to solve problems and is able to make conversation with people allows the ability to seek out information not readily available making her a better fit for the role!
Take Action
Does it sound like becoming an NP could be a good path for you?
If it does...
Did you know?
This Byte has been authored by
Marsha Kaufman
Educator | Learning and Instructional Designer