Nurse Practitioner, Research Paper Example

Introduction

A nurse who has completed advanced education and training gets an opportunity to join nurse practitioners. It is important to note that the nurse practitioners are accorded the duty to diagnose and manage patients with minor and chronic illnesses. For one to qualify as a nurse practitioner he/she must have undergone and completed education and training successfully. The minimum educational level for a nurse practitioner is a degree in nursing, which is estimated to take up to three years in a community college. Alternatively, a person wishing to become a nurse practitioner should opt for a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing. This course lasts for four years, and is offered by universities and specifies colleges.

Components of nurse practitioner

A programme that a person takes will determine the level at which he/she will be assigned. For instance, one who graduates after completion of RN degree will not be in the same level as the one who has completed a Master of Science degree in Nursing.

Methods of attaining nurse practitioner

Educational programs are offered in universities and colleges to acquire general knowledge in nursing. After one is accomplishes the program, a team representing the board will interview the candidate in order to test on one’s capabilities. The board will then license the successful candidates.

Job markets and worldwide needs

A nurse practitioner has a wide range of markets to seek for employment. A nurse practitioner can seek employment in various places, which include hospitals, nursing homes, health centers, hospice centers, and research centers. A nurse practitioner with a valid license has an opportunity to work in most parts of the world such as America, Europe, and Asia.

Advantages and disadvantages of nurse practitioner

Nurse practitioner as a career is interesting to whoever has practiced; however, it has numerous challenges just like any other career. As a nurse practitioner, one enjoys a number of benefits, which includes the attractive pay package among others. It is noteworthy that the handsome pay package attracts many individuals to this profession. In addition, the nursing practitioners have a flexible schedule. This gives them an ample time to attend to their personal matters. A nurse practitioner has a great opportunity to change other people’s lives and to acquire new skills on daily basis (Centers for Disease Control (CDC), 2010).

Conversely, the nurse practitioner has some disadvantages, which includes the unpredictable working hours among others. It is important to note that the working hours of a nurse practitioner are unpredictable because patients get ill anyhow. To some extent, the nurse practitioners may be forced to deliver their services for up to fifteen hours. Since patients are demanding this, therefore, calls for an ever-present nurse practitioner to attend to them at all times. After a nurse practitioner has been licensed, it is his/her role to prescribe proper medication otherwise will be sued against any harm caused thereby.

Nurse practitioners work hand in hand with physicians when time arises. They provide a wide range of medical attention to patients in medical health centers. In addition, they provide a record of physical findings hence give them a chance to develop plans and prognosis basing the conditions of the patient (American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP), 2011). The nurse practitioners have a duty to offer counseling services to patients and educate them on what to do in order to improve their health. Finally, it is the duty of nurse practitioners to perform and interpret diagnostic studies to assess clinical problems of a patient.

Why this job appeals to me

The reason as to why the nurse practitioner as a career is appealing to me is because because I get the opportunity to offer my skills and efforts in assisting the sick in a professional manner. My interest is to solve problems and be able to understand what causes disease breakout, hence come up with an effective way of curing them (Atwater et al, 2008). What appeals to me also are the facts that I can be able to diagnose and treat patients. As a nurse practitioner, I will be able to get hefty rewards as compared to other careers. Finally, it is my pleasure collaborating with other middle- level providers and physicians. It is therefore my chance to advance my education and role in the health care sector.

Conclusion

I dedicate this to my parents who have always encouraged me to work harder in order to attain my goals. I believe that I will be able to work as nurse practitioner all through my lifetime since it is what I love doing. I consider nurse practitioner to be a great achievement if I attain it since I will be able to work both at national and international scenes. I have positive self-confidence and determined character. My passion therefore is to become a nurse practitioner.

References

American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP). (2011). Policy compendium: 2011 edition. Retrieved on July 15, 2011, from http://www.acep.org/content.aspx?id=32334

Atwater, A., Bednar, S., Hassman, D., & Khouri, J. (2008). Nurse practitioners and physician assistants in primary care. Disease-a-Month, 54(11), 728-744. doi: 10.1016/j.disamonth.2008.08.002

Centers for Disease Control (CDC). (2010). National hospital ambulatory medical care survey: 2008 emergency department summary tables. Retrieved July 14, 2011, from http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/ahcd/nhamcs_emergency/nhamcsed2008.pdf