Are you interested in an advanced career in nursing? Do you want a career that’s meaningful and gives you a sense of purpose? If you’ve answered yes to either of these questions, you might be thinking about becoming a nurse practitioner (NP) or becoming a crisis travel nurse. Here are six reasons to consider this career path.
- It’s Intellectually Stimulating.
To pursue a career as an NP, you must first be a Registered Nurse (RN) and hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). Then, you’ll have to complete an accredited Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program.
Any nurse can enter one of these graduate nursing programs at any time after earning their BSN, but many people wait until they have 10 years of nursing experience. These graduate programs are rigorous and consist of a lot of coursework, clinical hours, and patient case simulations. It’s all designed to prepare you to pass one of the two national board exams, the AANP or ANCC.
Once you have entered your career as a nurse practitioner, you will find yourself with new challenges every day. This career is ideal for anyone with an eagerness to learn.
- You Can Help Save Lives.
If you’re looking for a rewarding career that allows you to help people, then look no further. Nurse practitioners have the opportunity to make a difference and save lives every day.
According to the American Association of Nurse Practitioners, full-time NPs tend to see an average of three patients per hour. This is an average of 24 patients per 8-hour shift whose lives you could play a role in changing or saving.
- It Comes with a Competitive Salary.
A career as a nurse practitioner can be financially-rewarding. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual salary for a nurse practitioner as of 2020 was $117,670, with the top 10% earning over $190,900. (The U.S. national average individual income in 2020 was $62,518). Your earning potential will depend on several factors. Some of these include geographic location and the type of medical setting and specialty you work in.
- You Can Work in Various Settings.
NPs work in various medical settings. Some of these include hospitals, urgent cares, physicians’ offices, health departments, community clinics, nursing homes, home health care agencies, and schools, colleges, and universities.
If you want to reduce the risk of burnout in the workplace or you have a desire to see the world, you might even consider working as a travel nurse practitioner.
- You’ll Have the Same Privileges as a Physician.
One of the main advantages of becoming an NP is having similar job duties, responsibilities, and privileges as a physician. You’ll be able to assess, educate, diagnose, and treat patients. You can order lab tests and analyze the results, as well as prescribe medications. You’ll even be able to perform certain procedures the same way a doctor would.
Many people are beginning to recognize nurse practitioners as equivalent to physicians. In some states, NPs are allowed to work independently, so some choose to open their own practices. Others choose to work under physicians.
- There’s a High Demand for NPs.
As with most careers in the healthcare industry, there will be a high demand for nurse practitioners for the foreseeable future. As the aging baby boomer population reaches retirement, they will create an opening for new workers. Additionally, this population will require care, which will also increase the demand for NPs. The global pandemic has also led to a lot of new openings in the healthcare industry as a whole.
These are just six of the many great reasons to become a nurse practitioner. If you’re passionate about helping people, this career might be perfect for you.
