After qualifying, most nurses work as a Registered Nurse (RN) for a few years. However, it is never too soon to consider where they want their nursing career to go. Nursing is a diverse career with many possibilities and options for promotion. Among the options for nurses are as a Nurse Practitioner (NP) qualification. This is a versatile role that can pave the way for a leadership or educational position and a specialization in an area of nursing that particularly interests them.
How to become a nurse practitioner
Usually, nurses work for at least two years as an RN before seeking promotion. Becoming an NP requires further qualifications and meeting all the criteria set in the state’s licensure. The most common qualification is a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), but other options include a post-master’s course or a doctoral qualification.
Accredited online programs meet the same high standards as a qualification studied in person. Online study enables working professionals to gain further qualifications with greater ease due to its flexibility. Students can access lectures they have been unable to attend and utilize study resources that were previously inaccessible. Nurses who wish to investigate studying Nurse Practitioner programs in Tennessee online can do so by reading more here. The online MSN program at Carson-Newman University allows nurses to transition from BSN to Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) qualified NPs within 32 months.
Why become an NP?
Gaining additional qualifications is a significant investment of time and money, and so nurses will want to be sure it is worthwhile before embarking on further study. However, gaining an MSN or other accredited qualification is an investment that is likely to pay off through improved salaries. It will also provide nurses with many more career options and personal and professional development opportunities.
Greater autonomy
NPs work with far greater autonomy than RNs. In many states, they can operate independently, using their own practices and patient registers. Often working in primary care, RNs can work with patients of all ages, providing advice and treatment. They are usually skilled in the management of chronic conditions such as asthma and diabetes. Depending on the laws of the state, the NP can organize diagnostic tests, make diagnoses, and prescribe medication. This can increase job satisfaction.
Specialization
Becoming an NP allows nurses to specialize in an area that interests them and become respected professionals in that field. NP programs such as MSN will provide options for training in those areas. NPs can be found in many areas of nursing, but some of the most common specializations are:
- Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP).
- Adult and Gerontology Nurse Practitioner (AGNP) in both primary and acute care.
- Psychiatric and Mental Health Nurse Practitioners (PMHNP).
- Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP).
- Advanced Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (ANNP).
Leadership
An NP program is an ideal qualification for RNs wanting to move into leadership positions. In leadership positions they can make decisions on nursing practice and patient care to make improvements. They also provide guidance to students and new nurses to help them excel in their profession. This career path can even lead to a place on the hospital board and executive positions.
Diverse opportunities
NPs have many career opportunities that can take them beyond the traditional nurse. They may work in telehealth, providing remote care that can be vital for patients who live far from clinics and hospitals. They could also become travel nurses for medical providers, working in a different area of the county or around the world. Another option is to work in a more advisory capacity for government agencies, using their expert knowledge to influence policies and practices.
Helping others
A primary motive for entering the nursing profession is the wish to help others. Studying to become an NP can enhance nurses’ ability to help others in a variety of ways.
Addressing a nursing shortage
The need for NPs is growing. The combination of a shortage of physicians and an aging population with increasing medical needs, means that the industry needs more NPs. Besides densely populated environments, NPs provide an essential service in fragmented and rural areas which have traditionally had reduced access to quality healthcare. With the current demand for NPs predicted to increase, becoming an NP offers excellent long-term job security.
Patient advocates
The skills of an NP allow them to be particularly effective patient advocates who can speak up for patient safety and wellbeing. Their voice can be amplified to make broader changes beyond the individual level in a clinical setting. As respected medical professionals, hospital boards will be more willing to listen to them. Beyond the hospital, they can lobby for better access to healthcare and improved standards, too. Politicians keen on reelection can help their chances by consulting skilled professionals such as NPs in their policymaking.
Improved patient outcomes
Whether they are providing healthcare in circumstances where access is limited, advocating for better standards within the clinical setting and beyond, or running healthcare programs to improve the health of their community, NPs can make a huge difference in improving the outcomes for patients. Through networking events for NPs, they can collaborate and access the latest nursing developments to make improvements. Increased numbers of NPs will benefit the health of the nation.
Becoming an NP
RNs with a few years of experience should think about where they want their career to take them. With more lucrative salaries and the chance to work autonomously and specialize in an area that interests them, along with the more significant benefits they can bring to patient care, becoming an NP is a career path worth considering. With flexible online accredited training options, there is no need to wait to start.
