Nurse Practitioner (NP) Jobs Overview

A Nurse Practitioner (NP) provides much of the same preventive and primary care services as a physician. Nurse practitioner jobs are expected to grow by 46% over the next decade — an astounding figure that is much faster than the average for all other occupations. In fact, NP is the single fastest growing occupation in the country.

What’s causing such extreme growth? The aging of the baby boomer population is a major contributor. Another reason is that team-based healthcare models are being increasingly used by facilities. This model includes APRNs, physician assistants, and other healthcare professionals to provide the care that is traditionally supplied by physicians. Additionally, states are updating laws regarding the practice scope of APRNs, which will allow them to perform more services for patients.

Nurse Practitioner Education and Skills

In order to become an NP, you’ll need to earn your bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) and get a passing grade on the NCLEX-RN exam. Before you can apply to a nurse practitioner program, you’ll need a few years of clinical nursing experience under your belt.

Then, depending on the nursing specialty you choose to pursue, you have two options: earn a masters of science in nursing (MSN) or a doctorate of nursing practice (DNP). These degrees require anywhere from two years to six years, respectively, to complete.

All APRNs must earn an additional nursing license, which means you’ll need to pass the national board certification exam. Note that each state has its own requirements, but in general, you will take the exam that is specific to your nursing specialty.

NP Resume/CV

When you start applying to the best nurse practitioner jobs, the skills you feature in your resume need to align with the ones included in the job ad. For example, if an employer’s requirements say a candidate must be “able to quickly master computerized medical record-keeping and billing systems,” be sure you include that very phrase in your nursing resume.

Interviewing for NP Jobs

The key to a successful job interview? Preparation. This holds true whether this is your first job or your fifth. Take the time to review some common nursing interview questions and answers before the big day. Think about specific on-the-job experiences from your past that clearly demonstrate your skills and abilities as a nurse practitioner.

Remember, interviewing goes both ways. This is your chance to inquire about benefits, company culture, available resources, and any other aspects of jobs for nurse practitioners that are important to you. The answers can help you determine if the job is a good fit.

Ways of Working as NP

The nursing field has flexible work options. You can find full-time, part-time, contract, temporary, or per diem jobs for nurse practitioners. Additionally, you can choose to work in a physician’s office, hospital, a long-term care facility, community clinic, or other setting.

Salary for a Nurse Practitioner Job

The average salary for nurse practitioner jobs is $135k+ per year. Your pay can vary depending on your education level, years of experience, the state in which you work, and the facility itself.

Demand can also affect a nurse practitioner salary. For example, Florida and Tennessee are among the five states that employ the most NPs, but the average pay in both locations is lower than in New Jersey and Oregon, which are among the five states that pay the most to NPs.