Definition of Profession:
A nurse practitioner is an RN who has earned a special certification through additional education and experience. Nurse practitioners may diagnose, treat, and prescribe within their specialty area of practice. This is done in collaboration with a licensed physician qualified to collaborate in the specialty involved in accordance with an approved written practice agreement and protocols. Nurse practitioners diagnose illnesses and conditions, determine a plan of care including diagnostic tests, and prescribe medicines and interventions.
About the Field:
There are currently about 13,000 licensed nurse practitioners of all specialty areas practicing in the State of New York.
How To Get There:
To be certified as a nurse practitioner (NP) in New York State you must have a currently registered New York State license as a Registered Professional Nurse (RN) and meet additional educational requirements. A nurse practitioner is certified to practice in a specific specialty area. An NP may be certified in more than one specialty, but you must submit a separate application and fee for each specialty and demonstrate that you have satisfied the education requirements specific to that specialty area. Current specialty areas are: Acute Care, Adult Health, College Health, Community Health, Family Health, Gerontology, Holistic Nursing, Neonatology, Obstetrics/Gynecology, Oncology, Pediatrics, Palliative Care, Perinatology, Psychiatry, School Health, Women’s Health.
Salary Range:
Licensed Nurse Practitioners make an average annual salary of between $71,000 and $84,000, depending on certifications and experience.
You are:
• commited to life-long learning
• good communication skills
• work well under pressure
• like to teach and counsel
• knowledgeable about own limitations
Related Professions:
Registered Professional Nursing
Licensed Professional Nursing
Midwifery
