Nurse Practitioners

What is a nurse practitioner?

A Registered Nurse who has completed a Master’s Degree in Nursing which included course work to diagnose and manage common and complex medical illnesses. In addition, the nurse has taken and passed a certification exam given by one of the nationally known certification boards in the United States. The Nurse Practitioner must be certified to be reimbursed by insurance, Medicare and Medicaid.

What does a nurse practitioner do?

Almost everything a physician can do depending on their training, contract with their hospital or collaborating physician. The Nurse Practitioner can serve as the “point of entry” into the health care system. Most Nurse Practitioners do not do major surgery or other invasive procedures. Nurse Practitioners, usually, provide more holistic services, counseling on health and lifestyle issues, and health prevention than physicians. Some NP’s are involved in research.

Can a nurse practitioner specialize their practice?

The most common Nurse Practitioners are FNP or ANP. However, with added training or attendance at a school/university offering the specialty degree a Nurse Practitioner can specialize in pediatrics (PNP), gerontology ( GNP), Women’s Health (WHNP), psychology and mental health (PMHNP), Acute Care (ACNP), Cardiology (CNP or CCNP), Emergency (ENP) and Oncology (ONP). Advanced Diabetes Management (ADM) is another specialization

Where can a nurse practitioner work?

Clinics, hospitals and private offices are the most likely answers but NP’s can also work in Health Departments, HMO’s, Home Health, Hospice, Nursing homes, School/College clinics, VA facilities. Nurse Practitioners can also own and work in their own independent clinics. There are several in Illinois.

More information about nurse practitioners

Nurse Practitioners have existed for more than 40 years. The position was created during a time when there was a serious physician shortage in the 1960’s. Use of Nurse Practitioners remained very popular in rural areas where there is a continued shortage of physicians. In the past 10 years, Nurse Practitioner positions have increased in larger metropolitan areas due to the increased population and the ability to specialize. There are many job openings for Nurse Practitioners all over the country. They are in demand to provide health promotion, health maintenance and sick-care services.

What about salaries?

Salaries vary widely depending on the location, specialty and contract negotiated with the collaborating physician. Nurse Practitioners working independently have the potential to make higher salaries but also carry a higher burden than those working in a group practice or clinic setting.

What is the difference between an advanced practice nurse (APN) or clinical specialist nurse (CSN) and the nurse practitioner?

The APN and CSN are nurses who often have a Master’s Degree in Nursing or have attended other specialty training courses but did not take the classes necessary to be eligible to take the certification exam. Because they are not certified, they cannot work independently and cannot bill for their services. They may be able to perform some of the same duties as the Nurse Practitioner but must always have a physician in attendance when seeing patients.

What is the difference between a physician assistant (PA) and the nurse practitioner?

The Physician’s Assistant cannot work independently. There must always be a physician available in the practice setting. Most PA’s hold a Master’s degree. PA’s are taught using the medical model of education rather than the nursing model which is more holistic and health education focused. PA salaries also vary depending on where they are working.

Websites:

American Academy of Nurse Practitioners ( www.aanp.org )

Nurse Practitioner Central ( www.npcentral.net )

American College of Nurse Practitioners ( www.nurse.org )