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How do I Become a Nurse Practitioner?

K T Solis
K T Solis

A nurse practitioner is a registered nurse who has received additional medical training so that he or she can diagnose and treat various illnesses. If someone wishes to become a nurse practitioner, he or she will need to first obtain an undergraduate nursing degree from an accredited college or university. The next step is to become a licensed registered nurse (RN). After working for about two years as an RN, the nurse can enroll in a nurse practitioner program. Such programs last for about one to two years.

Nurse practitioners can perform medical exams, prescribe medicine, and treat sick patients. On the other hand, they are authorized to provide additional medical services to the public. For example, physical therapy, massage therapy, immunizations, and the performing of various medical procedures are all part of a day's work for an experienced nurse practitioner. He or she helps to educate patients on how to prevent disease and live healthier lives. If someone wishes to become a nurse practitioner, he or she can expect to work in a hospital, medical clinic, a nursing home, schools or colleges, doctors' offices, home health care agencies, or other facilities that require the services of medical professionals.

A individual should have several years of working as a registered nurse prior to beginning nurse practitioner training.
A individual should have several years of working as a registered nurse prior to beginning nurse practitioner training.

The work schedule of a nurse practitioner varies. Someone who wishes to become a nurse practitioner can expect to work odd hours, including nights and weekends. Nurse practitioners who work in an acute care setting may sometimes be on call, taking care of patients outside of normal working hours. The typical nurse practitioner will also be expected to spend time reading medical journals or attending conferences in order to stay abreast of new developments in the medical field.

It's essential that nurse practitioners stay on top of relevant developments in the medical field.
It's essential that nurse practitioners stay on top of relevant developments in the medical field.

Not all nurse practitioners specialize in the same medical area. For example, some may specialize in family health while others prefer to work with the elderly population. Nurse practitioners may also choose to work in pediatrics or focus on women's health. Still others may choose the mental health field or specialize in adult health.

A nurse practitioner must display the same qualities of a first-rate physician. Having the ability to listen to patients' concerns, provide accurate health and wellness information, and treat each patient as an individual are important characteristics of anyone who wants to become a nurse practitioner. Since nurse practitioners are authorized to treat illnesses, conduct medical exams, and order diagnostic tests, they are valued members of the health care community who can provide patients with quality care.

Discussion Comments

dfoster85

@robbie21 - What bothers me about this new requirement is that as far as I can tell, it is not based on any real need. There is a shortage of doctors and nurse practitioners can be a big help in filling that need.

Have there been massive problems with nurse practitioners not doing a good job? No. Is there compelling evidence that they are under-trained? No. Do we need them? Yes. So why would we make it *harder,* not to mention way more expensive, for good nurses to acquire this credential?

I was cared for by a truly wonderful nurse anesthetist when I had a C-section during my first childbirth. He reminded us to bring a camera to the OR and took our first family photo, in addition, of course, to making sure I didn't feel anything! I have no idea if he had a DNP, and I couldn't care less.

robbie21

Anyone who's interested in the steps to become a nurse practitioner should be aware that there may be changed in the wind. A proposal has been made that starting in 2015, all advanced practice nursing - including nurse practitioners, nurse-midwives, nurse anesthetists, and so on - should be required that have a DNP, Doctor of Nursing Practice, degree. It would add several more years to the process!

It's kind of funny to think of having a doctoral degree in nursing! It reminds me of an ER episode in which Abby was both a nurse and a doctor (medical student) for the same patient, who observed, "This is a very strange hospital." Apparently, nursing educators are supportive of the new requirement.

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    • A individual should have several years of working as a registered nurse prior to beginning nurse practitioner training.
      By: Gabriel Blaj
      A individual should have several years of working as a registered nurse prior to beginning nurse practitioner training.
    • It's essential that nurse practitioners stay on top of relevant developments in the medical field.
      By: Monkey Business
      It's essential that nurse practitioners stay on top of relevant developments in the medical field.
    • Nurse practitioners may work with the elderly.
      By: Lisa F. Young
      Nurse practitioners may work with the elderly.
    • A nurse practitioner may choose to work in pediatrics.
      By: WavebreakMediaMicro
      A nurse practitioner may choose to work in pediatrics.
    • A nurse practitioner is able to treat sick patients and perform immunizations.
      By: Ocskay Bence
      A nurse practitioner is able to treat sick patients and perform immunizations.
    • Nurse practitioners are authorized to diagnose illness and treat patients.
      By: michaeljung
      Nurse practitioners are authorized to diagnose illness and treat patients.