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“Why is being a nurse practitioner a good career?” is a question many budding NP students might ask themselves — especially during those terrible moments of self-doubt.
But you’re not alone. Many NP students go through these periods of insecurity.
As the healthcare landscape evolves, Nurse Practitioners (NPs) are becoming more central to expanding access to quality healthcare across America.
Whether you’re deep in your studies or about to graduate, here are seven reasons why your choice to become a nurse practitioner is a great career choice.
1. Full Practice Authority
As of March 2023, NPs can prescribe without physician supervision in 27 states.
Full Practice Authority empowers NPs to evaluate patients, interpret diagnostic tests, initiate treatment plans, and independently manage patient care.
This level of autonomy appeals to many healthcare professionals, offering a sense of ownership and responsibility over patient outcomes.
2. Specialty Opportunities
People often associate nurse practitioners with primary care or hospital settings, but they work in many other areas as well.
NPs have the opportunity to specialize in areas such as:
3. Opportunity for Entrepreneurship
For those NPs with an entrepreneurial spirit, you can start your own private practice, especially in states with full practice authority.
It’s an exciting prospect for those looking to leave their unique mark on the healthcare landscape.
4. Personal Fulfillment
The role of a Nurse Practitioner provides immense personal and professional satisfaction. It is no surprise that this career is ranked #1 in the US News 100 best healthcare jobs list.
An NP’s approach to care allows them to form deep, meaningful relationships with patients over time.
Such connections often lead to greater job satisfaction.
5. Setting Opportunities
NPs are trained to cater to diverse patient groups throughout a person’s lifespan. Their extensive training ensures they can work in a variety of settings, including:
6. Salary
Per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Nurse Practitioners earn an average of $59.94 per hour ($124,680 annually). Factors like location and specialty can influence these figures.
There is a positive trend in the projections, with Nurse Practitioners’ salaries expected to increase by 16.95% from 2023 to 2027. This will result in an estimated annual income of $145,810 by 2027.
Compared to the current salary, this raise reflects the increasing demand for Nurse Practitioners in primary care.
7. Career Outlook
The future for nurse practitioners looks bright:
- Nurse practitioner field will grow by 40% from 2018 to 2028.
- Approximately 118,600 new jobs are anticipated in the next decade.
- Nurse practitioner salaries increased by 11% in the past five years.
- Over 213,500 nurse practitioners are employed in the U.S.
- 27,912 nurse practitioner job openings exist in the U.S. now.
These figures highlight the growing importance and demand for nurse practitioners in the healthcare sector.
Conclusion
You can be confident that your career will have a significant impact. It is evident that nurse practitioners play a vital role in healthcare.
They have a comprehensive approach to patient care, diverse career paths, and attractive financial incentives.
Aspiring Nurse Practitioners, your decision to pursue this path is admirable. Your journey will be fulfilling, and impactful.
Embrace it with confidence, knowing you will make a difference.
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