For those who want to become nurses, you will be pleased to learn that you will have regular employment, competitive pay and the pleasure of knowing that you have made a meaningful difference in your patients’ lives. Although there are numerous career routes and job titles to choose from, each has its own educational and training requirements, so it’s crucial to keep this in mind.
Registered nurses (RNs) and nurse practitioners (NPs) are two of the most common nursing vocations. However, is it clear how these jobs are distinct from one another? Do you want to learn how to become a nurse practitioner NP? Start by understanding the daily duties, education and certification requirements, and salary ranges for the two positions in the healthcare industry.
Who is a nurse practitioner?
To become a nurse practitioner, one must have a master’s degree from an accredited nursing school and pass a national certification exam. An NP’s job is to collaborate with the rest of the medical team to visit and assess patients, order and interpret tests, make diagnoses, and develop treatment plans. They also assist in managing long-term problems and making necessary changes for the patient.
Prescription writing, ordering and interpreting tests like blood and X-rays, and performing basic operations like suturing, biopsies and other abilities are among the responsibilities of an NP.
Who is an RN?
A registered nurse serves as a patient’s primary caregiver at a healthcare facility. In various medical settings, a registered nurse (RN) supports doctors and other health care providers. Medical assistants may be found in almost every hospital area, from the operating room to a doctor’s office.
All of these tasks are performed by registered nurses in the presence of a physician or nurse practitioner (NP) to provide the best possible care for their patients. As well as educating and assisting patients, they also perform in many administrative, management, and executive roles in the healthcare industry. A registered nurse cannot administer medicine or request diagnostic testing for patients.
What are the differences between an NP and an RN?
Before selecting whether to become a nurse practitioner or a registered nurse, aspiring nurses should know a few major distinctions.
Responsibility and Duty
Nurse practitioners have a wide range of responsibilities compared to registered nurses. Non-medical staff (NP) may give main and specialized care instead of aiding in overall patient care delivery. This aspect might involve changing treatment tactics dependent on the patient’s health. While nurse practitioners research new treatment methods, they may also train their team about new processes or rules that have just been implemented.
The workplace
Another important difference between nurse practitioners and RNs is where a person may work. Hospitals and ambulatory environments, such as doctors’ offices or outpatient clinics, are frequent workplaces for registered nurses. Aside from working in medical settings, nurse practitioners may also seek positions in government agencies or educational institutions since their scope of work allows them to function outside of these settings.
Educative attainment
A bachelor’s degree in nursing is generally required to begin a career as a registered nurse, although most nurse practitioners have a master’s degree or higher. Becoming a nurse practitioner is a reasonable next step for nurses who have been in the profession and wish to take on a more autonomous leadership position. Even if greater time and money are required, it is crucial to assess whether being a nurse practitioner is what one wants to accomplish.
Job and salary outlook
You may be curious about the typical income choices for both occupations and whether or not they are much different, given that both careers demand a lot of time and effort, college education, clinical training and certifications. The good news for nurses and nurse practitioners alike is that they both get paid well and get substantial benefits.
NPs often make more money than RNs because of their greater schooling, clinical hours, certifications, and the fact that they commonly work in private practice. Of course, the income for each job will depend on where you live, how much education you have, where you work, and what kind of medical specialty you choose to specialize in.
If you are considering a career in nursing, both nurse practitioner and registered nurse are excellent possibilities. You will be able to make an informed selection if you grasp the distinctions between the two jobs. Both stances have advantages and disadvantages.