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I want to become a nurse, but I want to know what is the difference between an RN and Nurse practitioner.
I've done a bit of research on both but I still don't understand the big difference on both. I also want to know if the requirement to become one varies on which one you want to be.
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Doc’s Answer
Registered Nurse or RNs work directly with patients, managing assessments, daily activities, and scheduled procedures and operations. RNs work closely with a care team including doctors and specialists. They are NOT ALLOWED to prescribe medications, diagnose patients, or write treatment plans.
Nurse Practitioners or NPs are advanced practice registered nurse who work directly with patients, but functions more like a physician. Nurse practitioners can make diagnoses, create and manage treatment plans, prescribe medication, and more. NPs tend to enjoy more autonomy, a greater scope of practice, and increased earning potential, making it a great career step after working as a registered nurse.
The amount of training and education required to become a nurse practitioner is different from that of a registered nurse. In order to become a registered nurse, you must earn a degree from an accredited program and pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX). You must then apply for state licensure. Nurse practitioners, on the other hand, must have earned a master’s degree in nursing (MSN) or higher. They must also complete more clinical hours. If you wish to work with a particular patient population, you will also need to complete additional certifications and training as necessary.
Alaa no matter which role you pursue, both RNs and NPs lead rewarding careers and have a real impact on patient lives.
Nurse Practitioners or NPs are advanced practice registered nurse who work directly with patients, but functions more like a physician. Nurse practitioners can make diagnoses, create and manage treatment plans, prescribe medication, and more. NPs tend to enjoy more autonomy, a greater scope of practice, and increased earning potential, making it a great career step after working as a registered nurse.
The amount of training and education required to become a nurse practitioner is different from that of a registered nurse. In order to become a registered nurse, you must earn a degree from an accredited program and pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX). You must then apply for state licensure. Nurse practitioners, on the other hand, must have earned a master’s degree in nursing (MSN) or higher. They must also complete more clinical hours. If you wish to work with a particular patient population, you will also need to complete additional certifications and training as necessary.
Alaa no matter which role you pursue, both RNs and NPs lead rewarding careers and have a real impact on patient lives.
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Updated
Binh’s Answer
Hi Alaa,
Although both registered nurses (RNs ) and nurse practitioners ( NPs) focus on patient observation and care, the largest difference between the two roles is that NPs are permitted to prescribe treatments, order tests, and diagnose patients—duties normally performed by physicians—whereas RNs are not. Registered nurses, on the other hand, usually work under a physician who determines patient care, diagnoses, and follow-up.
This means that the primary difference between registered nurses and nurse practitioners, from a responsibility perspective, is that nurse practitioners have greater autonomy and responsibility due to their advanced education, training, and experience.
Registered nurses need a bachelor’s degree in nursing, to pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX), and to obtain a state licensure to get started in the medical field.
Nurse practitioners, on the other hand, must have earned a master’s degree in nursing (MSN) or higher. They must also complete more clinical hours. If you wish to work with a particular patient population, you will also need to complete additional certifications and training as necessary.
Hope this helps!
Binh
Although both registered nurses (RNs ) and nurse practitioners ( NPs) focus on patient observation and care, the largest difference between the two roles is that NPs are permitted to prescribe treatments, order tests, and diagnose patients—duties normally performed by physicians—whereas RNs are not. Registered nurses, on the other hand, usually work under a physician who determines patient care, diagnoses, and follow-up.
This means that the primary difference between registered nurses and nurse practitioners, from a responsibility perspective, is that nurse practitioners have greater autonomy and responsibility due to their advanced education, training, and experience.
Registered nurses need a bachelor’s degree in nursing, to pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX), and to obtain a state licensure to get started in the medical field.
Nurse practitioners, on the other hand, must have earned a master’s degree in nursing (MSN) or higher. They must also complete more clinical hours. If you wish to work with a particular patient population, you will also need to complete additional certifications and training as necessary.
Hope this helps!
Binh
Updated
Raji’s Answer
Previous folks have pretty much answered the difference between the two roles. Another perspective to look at the two is their compensation. There’s a significant difference in salary between Registered Nurses and Nurse Practitioners.
As per the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Registered nurses earned an average annual salary of $82,750 in 2021, whereas nurse practitioners earned an average yearly salary of $118,040 during the same period. Of course, this varies by state. Though I would remind you that your criteria should be what type of job you would enjoy doing and excel at.
As per the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Registered nurses earned an average annual salary of $82,750 in 2021, whereas nurse practitioners earned an average yearly salary of $118,040 during the same period. Of course, this varies by state. Though I would remind you that your criteria should be what type of job you would enjoy doing and excel at.
Updated
Bailey’s Answer
You can become an RN with an associates degree, diploma, or bachelors degree. An NP needs a masters or doctorate. An NP can prescribe medications or order their own labs while a RN has to follow a physician order.