Nurse Practitioner Salary and Career Center

Welcome to the Nurse Practitioner Salary and Career Center! Our mission is to help you successfully prepare for a career as a nurse practitioner by providing you with information on nurse practitioner salaries, nurse practitioner programs, and nurse practitioner jobs. Are you ready to make a difference in your world?

Welcome to the Nurse Practitioner Salary and Career Center

Here at the Nurse Practitioner Salary and Career Center, our mission is simple: to provide you with the resources you need to best prepare for an exciting career as a nurse practitioner. Our goal is to offer you resources on degree programs, certification requirements, and even jobs available in your area.

A career as a nurse practitioner, regardless of specialization, can be an exciting career and the nurse practitioner salary is one of the most rewarding in the health care industry. While the profession requires an extensive amount of training and education, employment opportunities are steadily increasing in many regions across the country. With positions available in a wide variety of working environments including hospitals, private medical practices, and inpatient care facilities, finding a rewarding position within the field is well within your reach.

If you have spoken to individuals currently employed as nurse practitioners, you’ll often hear over and over again that the career offers intellectually challenging work and that each day can bring new and exciting tasks. The opportunity to work in a dynamic professional environment provides the nurse practitioner with the ability to add to their existing foundation of knowledge with each new day and patient.

Nurse Practitioner SalaryJobs as a nurse practitioner tend to offer flexibility, excellent benefits packages, and in many cases perks such as tuition reimbursement to help you finance your education. You can choose to specialize in a variety of fields, which affords you the chance to offer patient care and treatment which matches your unique skill sets and personality. Perhaps it’s your dream to work with children. Maybe you have always hoped to offer care to acutely ill patients in an emergency room or intensive care setting. If you love the science and process of child birth, working on a labor or mother and baby floor may be the best choice for you.

All of these benefits make working as a nurse practitioner a very attractive career choice for those interested in stable, well-paying employment in the health care industry. We hope that you’ll take the time to browse the various articles and resources here at the Nurse Practitioner Salary and Career Center and use them to help you successfully prepare yourself for a career in this exciting profession.

ACHPN Nurse Practitioner Salary and Career Outlook

Are you interested in pursuing a career in a robust medical field that provides incredibly strong job prospects and gives you the opportunity to help others through medical care and attention on a regular basis? Do you have the ability to perform consistently well under pressure situations? You may want to consider a career as a nurse practitioner. This career path will give you the opportunity to provide affordable health care to patients. There is always strong job security in this field regardless of economic circumstances. As the baby boom generation continues to age, there will be extremely high demand for quality, affordable health care. You may want to consider a career as a hospice and palliative care nurse (ACHPN). ACHPN nurses work with physicians, social workers or chaplains as part of a comprehensive team. This comprehensive team then uses it collective strengths and training in order to help patients and families suffering from illness. Most ACHPN nurses are “generalists” but there are also some who specialize in fields such as oncology, pediatrics or geriatrics. In this article, we will take a look at the overall salary and career outlook for ACHPN nurse practitioners.

ACHPN Nurse Practitioner SalaryNursing is one of the fastest growing professions and is expected to grow some 23 percent between the years 2006 and 2016. Positions specifically for ACHPN nurses are expected to even outpace this growth as they are more frequently offered in nursing homes. According to salary.com, the average hospice nursing salary is $49,000 while the average for palliative nursing is $56,000. Of course, this can vary significantly depending on geography, employer, training, education and experience. It is important to earn certification through the National Board for Certification for Hospice and Palliative Nurses (NBCHPN) in order to maximize the salary you can command starting out as an ACHPN nurse practitioner.

If you are interested in pursuing a very rewarding career as a nurse practitioner and want to determine which specialty to target, you may want to consider a career as an ACHPN nurse practitioner. As an ACHPN nurse practitioner, you will work within a comprehensive team to provide assistant to patients and families suffering from illness. You can expect to make in the neighborhood of $50,000 starting out in this field.

Emergency Nurse Practitioner Salary and Career Outlook

Are you interested in pursuing a career in an extremely robust field that boasts strong job prospects and gives you the opportunity to help others in extremely trying times? Can you work well and even thrive in performance during high pressure situations? You may want to seriously consider pursuing a career as an emergency nurse practitioner. As an emergency nurse practitioner you can expect to work in an emergency room or critical care unit. This makes it critical that you can work well under high pressure situations. In order to become an emergency nurse practitioner, you generally need a more advanced degree beyond nursing. Job prospects will be strong for all professions in nursing regardless of economic circumstances. As the aging members of the baby boom generation will require significant medical care and attention over the coming years, job prospects for emergency nurse practitioners will only become stronger. Let’s take a detailed look at salary and career outlook for emergency nurse practitioners.

Emergency Nurse Pracitioner SalaryIn 2008, the average emergency nurse practitioner made roughly $31 per hour or approximately $65,000 per year. Of course, salary for emergency nurse practitioners depends largely on training, education, experience and geography. According to the estimates, the demand for nurse practitioners is expected to surge between 7 and 13 percent through 2018, which means that some 15,000 new jobs will be available for prospective emergency nurse practitioners. If you are just now entering college or are considering going back to school for advanced education, you may really want to consider training as an emergency nurse practitioner. Even given the tough economic conditions the nation faces, emergency nurse practitioners will continue to be high demand.

If you have the ability to work well under high pressure situations and are interested in pursuing a highly respectable career in the medical field, you may seek a career as an emergency nurse practitioner. You can expect to work in an emergency room or critical care unit as a nurse practitioner. You training, education, experience and geography will factor into your earning potential, but you can expect to start making around $65,000 a year as a nurse practitioner. The career outlook for nurse practitioners is very strong for emergency nurse practitioners as the aging members of the baby boom generation will require significant medical attention over the coming years.

Opportunities for Nurse Practitioners in Rural Health Care

Are you interested in pursuing a career in a robust medical field that offers strong job prospects and the opportunity to help others on a regular basis? You may want to seriously think about working as a nurse practitioner. As the aging members of the baby boom generation will continue to require significant medical care and attention in the coming years, they will increasingly turn toward nurse practitioners who provide more affordable health care in comparison to doctors. If you would be willing to adjust to a potentially different environment and surroundings, there are some excellent opportunities for nurse practitioners in rural health care.

Nurse Practitioner Rural Health CareResearch has clearly established that rural areas have an incredibly high demand for nurse practitioners. Areas in the region of the Appalachian Mountains, for example, have reported a strong need for nurse practitioners in nursing homes, schools and public health clinics. The Appalachian Mountains region faces a high demand for nurse practitioners because of a lack of primary care physicians in the area. Nurse practitioners can provide a similar level of care as primary care physicians. It can be very rewarding to work as a nurse practitioner and provide medical service in a rural health care system. The major reason for this is that you can directly bring some confidence to the health care system in a town that is lacking it. Individuals in rural areas in need of health care are often forced to drive long distances to reach a major city that has clinics. If you do decide to practice in a rural health care system, you must be prepared to have a significant leadership role. Since general practitioners are scare in rural areas, you will have both an expanded leadership role and greater responsibilities. Depending on your personality, working in a rural health care system could be excellent for you. You will be given tremendous respect and could thrive with many responsibilities.

There are some excellent opportunities for nurse practitioners in rural health care systems. The Appalachia Mountains region features very strong opportunities or nurse practitioners. You will instantly boost the confidence of an entire area in its health care system. As a nurse practitioner in a rural area, you can expect to be highly respected and have a strong leadership role because of the lack of general physicians.

Health Risks for the Nurse Practitioner

Becoming a nurse practitioner offers many exciting opportunities to make a difference in the lives of individuals in your community through a wide range of opportunities and specializations. There are many various employment settings to choose from, a wonderful chance to advance your career in several directions, the opportunity to face new and exciting challenges day in and day out, and the nurse practitioner salary can be extremely rewarding. This job can also lead to many different career paths. However, if you do decide to pursue a career in nursing, it is important that you are aware of some of the health risks associated with working in nursing.

Nurse Practitioner Health RisksOne of the biggest health risks associated with a nursing career is exposure to infectious diseases. Nurses work intimately with patients and the medical facility, which increases the risk of exposure to infectious diseases. Another major health risk in the nursing profession is the fatigue that can be brought on by working so many hours. Nurses are often called on to work mandatory overtime hours, which can really take a toll on the individual both mentally and physically. Nurses tend to also face back problems at a greater rate than the average population, which is something you must be aware of. As a nurse you will be working with sharp objects and instruments, which increases the chances of cuts. Finally, nurses also must deal with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder as a result of witnessing frightening scenes.

If you want to enter the nursing profession, feel confident knowing that you are entering a field that boasts strong job prospects and gives you the opportunity to help patients on a regular basis. It can really be very rewarding working as a nurse. However, you must also be aware of some of the health risks associated with working in nurse. Some of these risks include the following: Increased risk of exposure to infectious diseases, fatigue, back problems, increased risk of cuts and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. You must make a determination as to whether these potential health risks are outweighed by the other benefits of working in the nursing profession.

Pediatric Endocrinology Nurse Practitioner Salary and Career Outlook

If you are you interested in pursuing a highly respectable career in the medical field that gives you the opportunity to make a positive difference in the lives of others you may want to consider a career as a pediatric endocrinology nurse practitioner. Even given the current economic challenges that the nation faces, job prospects for nurse practitioners remain extremely strong. The baby boom generation will continue to require significant medical attention over the coming years and many will turn to nurse practitioners for affordable medical care. The area pediatric endocrinology is a highly specialized field for nurse practitioners. As a pediatric endocrinology nurse practitioner, you would interact with young patients who have diabetes and other hormone problems. You would make a very positive difference in the lives of these patients by educating them as far as how to cope with their condition is concerned. Let’s take a closer look at pediatric endocrinology nurse practitioner salary and career outlook for the coming few years.

Pediatric Endocrinology Nurse Practitioner SalaryCareer outlook for nurse practitioners across-the-board is expected to be very strong in the coming years. According to estimates, the demand for nurse practitioners will expand between 7 and 13 percent, which means that over 15,000 jobs will be created in the field. A pediatric endocrinology nurse makes an average salary of $81,000 per year. Of course, geography, education, training and experience all play a major role in determining earning potential as a pediatric endocrinology nurse practitioner. Out of all the nursing specialties, the position of pediatric endocrinology nurse practitioner ranks number 5 in terms of salary. The only specialties that rank ahead of pediatric endocrinology nurse include the following: Certified nurse midwife with an average salary of $84,000; psychiatric nurse practitioner at $95,000; nurse researcher at $95,000; and certified nurse anesthetist at $135,000.

If you are looking to pursue a career a highly rewarding career as a nurse practitioner and are deciding which specialty to target, you may want to consider a career as a pediatric endocrinology nurse. A career in this field would give you the routine opportunity to help young patients who have diabetes and other hormone problems. The average salary for a pediatric endocrinology nurse is a solid $81,000.

Continuing Education for Nurse Practitioners

Nurse practitioners hold a very important place in the health care industry. Nurse practitioners provide quality medical services much the same way as doctors do. Nurse practitioners have received advanced education, training and certification and work in such medical facilities as hospitals, clinics, health centers, nursing homes, military and several other places. In order to stay sharp in the field it is important for nurse practitioners to consistently evolve and prove themselves by completing continuing education requirements. Let’s take a look at the details regarding continuing education requirements for nurse practitioners.

Nurse Practitioner Continuing EducationIt is important for current nurse practitioners to do some research regarding specific State requirements for continuing education. The American Nurses Credential Center’s Commission on Accreditation uses the term “continuing education unit” (CEU) for the units that nurse practitioners must complete. For example, California requires 30 hours of CEUs every two years while Michigan requires 25 hours over two years. Even if a State does not have rigorous CEU requirements, it is still in the best interest of current nurse practitioners to complete some hours in order to stay current and sharp with the latest breakthroughs and developments in the field. There are several different activities that can count toward the continuing education requirements for nurse practitioners. Some of these activities include enrolling in relevant college courses, attending seminars and workshops, hosting a conference or teaching a course. If a nurse practitioner has a very busy and packed schedule, he or she may consider completing online coursework to satisfy continuing education requirements. The major benefit of this is that it provides a greater degree of flexibility and can be completed at any convenient time throughout the day. Nurse practitioners can do further research to determine additional activities that are acceptable and can count toward the necessary requirements.

If you are a nurse practitioner, you have completed advanced training and education to earn your master’s degree and earned certification. In order to keep maintain and enhance your skill set, it is important to complete continuing education requirements. Research the requirements for your State in order to understand the continuing education requirements you must complete. There are several activities you can complete in person or online to complete the continuing education requirements.

Returning to Work as a Nurse Practitioner After an Employment Gap

Are you trying to manage a return to a career as a nurse practitioner after an employment gap? It can be difficult to adjust to a return to a career after a hiatus. You will likely be surrounded by professionals who have just recently completed their advanced education and training. These professional will have earned their master’s degrees and State certifications. A nurse practitioner plays a very important role in the health care industry, as the medical services provided by a health practitioner are similar to the services provided by a doctor. In order to maintain a sharp skill set and stay current with all the breakthroughs in this field of advanced nursing, it would be an excellent idea to complete some of the activities that would typically count as continuing education requirements. Let’s take a closer look at what activities qualify as continuing education credits and how you can benefit from them.

Nurse Practitioner Employment GapSome possible activities you can complete to get back in the mode of working as a nurse practitioner include enrolling in relevant college courses, attending seminars and workshops, hosting a conference or teaching a course for aspiring nurse practitioners. All of these opportunities will provide you an opportunity to ease your way back in the practice and profession of nurse practitioner. It is possible that you are raising a family or working other jobs while attempting to ease back into a career as a nurse practitioner. You may opt to complete some online courses in the field, which provide a greater degree of flexibility in setting study times. By participating in these various activities, you can convey to prospective employers that you are sharp in the field. It would also be an excellent way to mask potential doubts that may arise as a result of employment gaps on your resume.

If you are returning to work as a nurse practitioner after an employment gap, you can immediately help your situation by completing continuing education activities that would allow you to stay sharp in the field. These activities will really allow you to get back in the zone in terms of working as a nurse practitioner. You can include your participation in these activities in your resume, which can really help you create a strong impression with prospective employers.

Legal and Ethical Issues for Nurse Practitioners

Are you interested in pursuing a career in a very strong field that is expected to boast strong job prospects throughout the coming decade? Do you enjoy helping others and making a positive difference in their lives? You may want to consider a career as a nurse practitioner. Unlike nurses, nurse practitioners must pass through advanced education and training and must earn a master’s degree. With all these added requirements in the training process, nurse practitioners also have greater degree of freedom, flexibility and discretion in terms of working with patients. As the aging members of the baby boom generation continue to age and require medical attention, they will increasingly turn to nurse practitioners for affordable medical service. If you do opt to pursue a career in this field, it is important that you are aware of legal and ethical issues for nurse practitioners.

Nurse PractitionerIt is very important for a nurse practitioner to fully inform patients of the risks and complications that can arise as a result of various procedures. It is vital to then obtain proper signatures before proceeding to any procedures. If all appropriate signatures are not obtained, the nurse practitioner can be held liable for damages. It is absolutely crucial that a nurse practitioner have the mindset of documenting everything. Every single checkup, procedure, drug administration and prescription given should be accurately documented and placed on the record of the right patient. If these items are not documented properly or there is a mistake in patient records, the nurse practitioner can be liable for damages and face serious legal consequences. Based on the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996, patient records and personal information must be kept private. It is important for nurse practitioners to follow this standard in order to avoid legal issues. Finally, it is critical for nurse practitioners to be fully focused and alert at all times to avoid medical errors. Prescribing the wrong medicine or dosages can come back to mean legal issues for nurse practitioners. As for the ethical issues faced by nurse practitioners, it is important for professionals in this field to properly educate patients regarding all components of the health care process.

Nurse practitioners, like all other professionals in the health care industry, face serious legal and ethical issues. If you are pursuing a career in this field, you will learn more in-depth about these important issues during your training and education. Most importantly, nurse practitioners must always be fully focused and alert to ensure that all regulations are properly followed and medical errors minimized.

Educational Requirements For Nurse Practitioners

Are you interested in pursuing an incredibly rewarding career as a nurse practitioner? A nurse practitioner has far more abilities in comparison to a registered nurse. A nurse practitioner can provide patient care, educate patients, interpret diagnostic tests and X-rays and treat conditions like diabetes and infections. Nurse practitioners also have the ability to prescribe medicine. The additional career scope that nurse practitioners have relative to registered nurses is a result of stricter educational requirements and obligations. In this article, we will take a look at the educational path that aspiring nurse practitioners must follow.

It is recommended that aspiring nurse practitioners begin their journey by completing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). This is a professional program that emphasizes the sciences, humanities and other related professional disciplines. A BSN coursework will help aspiring nurse practitioners improve and develop their critical thinking abilities and understanding of human health. Future nurse practitioners will also understand the best approaches to providing care for patients. Once you have completed your BSN, you must complete a Master’s Degree in Nursing (MSN). Earning your MSN almost guarantees that you will be able to find a job upon completion, as there is high demand for individuals holding this degree in the healthcare industry. Completing your MSN will equip you with the knowledge required to fulfill patient outcomes, the capacity to evaluate risks and the ability to work in teams to ensure highest quality patient care. Nurse practitioners are able to interpret X-rays and prescribe medicine to patients. An aspiring nurse practitioner must receive state licensure in the state he or she intends to practice in. Licensure regulations and processes vary state-by-state so it is important you do some research to determine what you must do.

Working as a nurse practitioner can be highly rewarding, as you will be providing medical care and attention to patients on a regular basis. Nurse practitioners enjoy a far greater career scope in comparison to registered nurses as a result of having received advanced education. In addition to completing a BSN, aspiring nurses will need to earn their MSN and then receive licensure in the state they intend to practice in.

Why You Should Consider A Career As A Nurse Practitioner

We live in very challenging economic times with high unemployment and must face a hyper-active job market. One recession-proof career path you may want to pursue during these times is that of a nurse practitioner. A nurse practitioner has a much wider scope of abilities in comparison to a registered nurse. A nurse practitioner is involved in educating patients, running tests and prescribing treatments. One of the key differences between a registered nurse and a nurse practitioner is that a nurse practitioner has the ability to prescribe medicine. Let’s take a look at why this is an excellent career path to march forward with.

One of the best things about pursuing a career as a nurse practitioner is that this career is embedded in the healthcare industry, which means that there is substantial job security provided. This is a highly recession-proof industry because of the fact that the population of older people continues to expand rapidly. This segment of the population requires significant medical care and attention and nurse practitioners provide this in a high-quality, cost-effective way. While the education process of becoming a nurse practitioner is more costly in comparison to becoming a nurse, a nurse practitioner can expect to make an average of $12,000 more per year than a nurse does. This makes it very attractive to pursue a career as a nurse practitioner. Another major benefit of working as a nurse practitioner is the benefit packages these workers receive. Some of the fringe benefits that nurse practitioners can expect include health insurance, 401(k) retirement plan and paid vacation and sick leave.

There is no doubt that we live in very tough economic times with high unemployment and must deal with an ultra competitive job market. One choice you can make is to earn a master’s degree in nursing and become a nurse practitioner. This field enjoys substantial job security because it is embedded in the healthcare industry. Nurse practitioners can expect to make substantially more per year relative to registered nurses and it can really be worth it long-term to spend money to receive your master’s degree. Lastly, nurse practitioners enjoy many great fringe benefits.