Salary and Career Prospects of a Nurse Practitioner

Nurse Practitioners are the registered nurses working in the same capacity as the doctors. They hold the higher and responsible positions in medical fields and work parallel to the standard physicians. Besides their medical assistance like a registered nurse, they also have to look forward the administration and supervision of the medical establishment. They are offered very competitive salary packages and prosperous career because of the extensive responsibilities they undertake.

What they actually do?

• They maintain the complete record of the nursing staff to ensure the efficient functionality of the whole department.
• Examine and supervise the nursing staff, whether they are achieving the daily task in their shift or not.
• They analyze the schedule and draft reports to measure the performance of every individual nurse.
• They lead the team and perform very responsibly duties in emergency and casualty departments.
• They have the ability to assist the doctors in the same capacity of their colleagues in treating an acute medical condition.
• They can handle the ICU patients or the rest of the patients suffering from severe medical situations.
• They are able and allowed to prescribe medication to the patients without consulting a medical doctor.
• They also take part in medical teaching and research according to their specialized areas.

Do they earn enough livelihoods?

The increased demand of the nurse practitioners has given rise to their salaries in the different states of America. Their average annual salary fluctuates between $85000 and $110,000, in the different states. Their earnings may increase if they are assigned with additional responsibilities or hired in a more challenging position. They are entitled to all the standard benefits like paid leave, vacation leaves, life insurance, pension contribution, and perks, same as other medical professionals.

Nurses may earn more in big cities and towns as the living standard rises there, and the employers offer more fringe benefits. The nurses who opt to serve in Alabama, Columbia, Massachusetts, Missisippi, California and New York, may get increased salary and benefits.

Do they have good career prospects?

A prosperous career awaits the nurse practitioners soon after they secure relevant education and license. They may serve the huge audience because of their medical expertise and exposure in the specialized areas. They may serve the hospitals, large, small and medium-size medical centers. They may also be present in the urgent care centers, elderly care center and social welfare centers. In the nursing hierarchy, they are placed in the advanced position and are required to work for a full day (i.e. 8 hours shift).

They normally earn more than registered nurses because of the substantial responsibilities they undertake. They may secure a more promising position in the medical field with the additional education and certification. The nurse practitioners, who remain as an advocate of family planning and prenatal care services, may not excel further in comparison to others. The nurse practitioners may experience more possibilities in the coming years because of the growth of old-age homes and retirement home facility providers.

Relevant Article: How to become a Nurse Practitioner?