Key takeaways:
Nurse practitioners (NPs) are in high demand, and the field should continue to grow.
It takes 4 to 7 years of school to become an NP.
State regulations may impact an NP’s ability to practice fully and may be a source of frustration.
Nurse practitioners (NPs) are advanced practice registered nurses who complete a master’s or doctoral level of education. They provide primary, acute, chronic, and specialty care to patients of all ages.
NPs are trained to diagnose, treat, and manage acute and chronic conditions while educating patients on how to manage their health and prevent disease. NPs can be found in varied settings like clinics, hospitals, offices, nursing homes, schools, and public health departments.
If you’ve considered becoming a nurse practitioner, you’ll want to carefully evaluate all the benefits and drawbacks of the career.
The path to becoming a nurse practitioner
To become licensed as a nurse practitioner, you’ll need to first hold a Bachelor of Science in nursing.
If you’re a nurse who holds an associate’s degree, you may be interested in a bridge program. It’s designed to take a nurse from an associate's degree to an advanced practice degree without having to complete two separate programs. These programs are usually intensive and may be completed in 3 years of full-time study. Upon graduation, you’ll hold a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science in nursing.
Registered nurses who hold a bachelor’s degree can enroll in an NP program to obtain either a master’s or a doctoral degree. A master’s degree is the minimum entry-level requirement for an NP and will take around 3 years to complete. In 2018, the National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties recommended that the doctor of nursing practice degree become the entry-level degree for NPs. Despite this recommendation, the master’s degree remains the primary entry-level degree for most NPs.
NPs are educated within a specific population foci and then obtain board certification in their area of specialization. Areas of specialization include:
Acute care pediatric nurse practitioner (CPNP-AC)
Adult-gerontology acute care nurse practitioner (ACNPC-AG)
Adult-gerontology nurse practitioner (A-GNP)
Family nurse practitioner (FNP)
Neonatal nurse practitioner (NNP)
Pediatric nurse practitioner (PNP)
Psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP)
Women’s health nurse practitioner (WHNP)
The benefits of being a nurse practitioner
The nurse practitioner field is steadily growing and has a great job outlook. The 2022 US News and World Report ranked NP as the second-best profession overall in the U.S. So what makes the field so attractive, and why might you want to consider the role?
Autonomy
While NPs work collaboratively as part of the healthcare team, they have clinical expertise and autonomy. In some states, NPs are entirely independent and may own their practice.
Job security and salary
NPs are in demand due to a shortage of primary care providers and a population that is living longer.
The salary potential for NPs is excellent, as well. NP salaries average 33% higher than nurses with undergraduate degrees. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median pay for NPs is $124,000 annually. Job benefits often include healthcare and retirement packages.
Flexible work schedules and locations
NPs often enjoy flexible work hours. They may be able to work 12-hour days and rotating shifts and can maximize time off around their lifestyle. NPs can even work with a travel agency and see the country while earning a living.
Opportunities to specialize
NPs can specialize within their population foci and even further specialize in a setting like dermatology, cardiology, orthopedics, or oncology. Telehealth provides an attractive option for NPs who might like to try working from home.
The cons of being a nurse practitioner
While the benefits of being an NP are attractive, you’ll need to consider the drawbacks as well.
Additional education
Becoming an NP requires several years of school. Most NPs have already completed their initial registered nurse program and must return for additional school. Master of Science in nursing programs will last 2 to 3 years, and doctor of nursing practice programs last 3 to 4 years. Altogether, an NP may have 4 to 7 years invested in their education. Depending on the intensity of your program, you may not be able to work full time while attending school.
You’ll also need to consider how to pay for your education. Student loans will require repayment eventually. If you find employer tuition reimbursement programs, you’ll be locked into one position until your commitment has been fulfilled.
Stressful work environments
NPs deal with workplace stress every day. They are also responsible for patients' lives. You’ll be exposed to illnesses and diseases and the emotional stress of caring for patients.
Additionally, you’ll need to consider legal responsibilities and regulations in your state and may be involved in malpractice lawsuits.
Practice inconsistencies
Restrictions on NP practice vary from state to state. While 26 states and the District of Columbia allow NPs to practice without physician supervision, many states require NPs to maintain a practice agreement with a physician to provide services. Resistance to full practice from physician groups remains strong and creates frustration for many NPs who want to practice to the full extent of their education and training.
In addition, NPs may encounter insurance, reimbursement, credentialing, and staff privileging issues.
The bottom line
Why trust our experts?
There are great benefits to the NP role, including autonomy, salary and benefits, job security, and flexibility. But these need to be weighed against the time and expense required to obtain a degree, the stress of NP work, and the challenges to full NP practice.
