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How to Become a Nurse Practitioner + Other Questions on the Profession

To any nurse practitioners out there available to answer questions, how did you get to where you are now (education-wise). I’m not quite sure how to get to being a practicing nurse practitioner-in any field- through education. From what I understand, you have to have a Masters of Nursing and also a degree for Nurse Practitioners but I’m not certain. Also, which medical field for nurse practitioners pays the most? I know nurse practitioners can do just about anything but I’m not sure what is most financially rewarding. As a side note, I am especially interested in the surgical aspect of the medical field, so being a surgical nurse/nurse practitioner would be ideal depending on how much it pays on average.

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Ann’s Answer

I agree with Regan. Don’t go into any job based on the financial reward. It’s definitely something to consider but should not be the top priority. I started out as a nursing assistant while going to nursing school. I got my BSN and got a job in a hospital. After several years of working in a hospital, and life events, I went back to school for my Master’s in nursing in ambulatory care. This allowed me to be licensed as an NP and allowed me to be certified as a Family Nurse Practitioner. This was a long time ago and there weren’t as many specialties then, as there are now. I really encourage those interested in becoming an NP to become an RN and get hospital experience before going on to become an NP. I really have no idea what specialty makes the most money. A first assist in surgery (RN) might be your calling. Being a nurse practitioner can pay well but is it worth it if you don’t like it? There is a lot of responsibility and potentially a lot of over time as an NP. It’s a rewarding job but if you don’t like it, no pay is worth it.
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Patricia’s Answer

To become a Nurse Practitioner or Advanced Practice Registered Nurse you must have a Master’s of Nursing Science. If you look into nursing programs, they will have multiple tracts to choose from ADN RN (2 years), BSN 4years),MSN (about 6 years) which can include ARNP. I have a family nurse practitioner certification ( you have to take a certification exam after you graduate from your program) which allows me to care for and work with any patient from birth to death. More focused, specialties include adult, nurse, practitioner, pediatric nurse, practitioner, psychiatric nurse, practitioner, women’s health and midwife, geriatric, nurse, practitioner, etc.. Other advanced practice degrees include certified nurse, anesthetist, which are also nurse practitioners. In general, the certified nurse anesthetist is the highest paying job. However, I have found throughout my career that if you love what you do, you will make money doing it and be much more happier and focusing just on income. The path I took to become an NP was a bit long. I started with a diploma in nursing which was a two-year nursing school, and then gradually got an associates degree in nursing and then a bachelors degree than a masters degree in the nurse practitioner tract, and then eventually a doctorate, which is a DNP. There are schools, however where you can go into college and in about five years come out with a masters degree in nursing with a nurse practitioner focus. Good luck in your education and career path.
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Regan’s Answer

First let me say that you should NOT go into this field because you are hoping it is a lucrative career opportunity. I would recommend going and taking classes to be a can (certified nurse assistant) first. Learn what it stakes to take care of others. Being an NP is not a 9-5 job collect a paycheck and go home. You are dealing with some serous life/death implication s and given that level of responsibility. If you decide you are of the mind to care about others consider nursing school (LPN or RN) and if successful you will know if you have what it takes to go the next level. It’s not for everyone and requires a lot of critical thinking and hours working beyond a time clock. I hope this helps.
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James Constantine’s Answer

Greetings Jordan!

Here's a streamlined plan on how to become a Nurse Practitioner:

1. Earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing (BSN): This four-year program combines classroom learning and hands-on clinical practice, covering vital nursing subjects like anatomy, physiology, microbiology, and nursing ethics.

2. Pass the NCLEX-RN Exam: Upon graduating with your BSN, you'll need to pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) to secure your nursing license. This exam assesses your readiness for safe and effective practice as a beginner nurse.

3. Acquire Clinical Experience: Although not always compulsory, it's beneficial to gain experience as a registered nurse (RN) before advancing your education. This experience can enhance your practical skills and knowledge, which many NP programs value.

4. Complete a Master’s or Doctoral Degree in Nursing: To become an NP, you'll need to finish either a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). These programs, lasting 2-4 years, offer specialized training in fields like family practice, pediatrics, geriatrics, or acute care.

5. Select a Specialty: During your graduate studies, you'll select a specialty that aligns with your interests and career aspirations. If you're interested in surgical aspects, consider specialties like surgical nursing or acute care.

6. Achieve Certification: After your graduate studies, you'll need to pass a national certification exam related to your specialty. Organizations such as the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) or the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) offer these exams.

7. Apply for State Licensure: Once you're certified, apply for licensure in your practicing state. Each state has unique NP licensure requirements.

8. Pursue Continuing Education: To keep your certification and licensure, you'll need to periodically complete continuing education courses.

Regarding financial aspects, Nurse Practitioners' salaries can vary based on their specialty. Some of the highest-paying specialties include Psychiatric Mental Health, Emergency Room, and Surgical Nurse Practitioners. As of May 2022, the median annual wage for nurse practitioners was about $123,780, but those in surgical settings could earn significantly more.

In conclusion, the journey to becoming a nurse practitioner involves earning a BSN, followed by an MSN or DNP, and specializing in your chosen field. Surgical nurse practitioners, due to their specialized skills, often command higher salaries.

Reliable sources for this information include the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP), and the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN).

The accuracy of this answer is estimated at 95%.

Best wishes,
JC.
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