Have you been wondering what the difference is between a nurse and a nurse practitioner? Or maybe you鈥檙e already working as a nurse and you鈥檇 like to level up your career? New York recently signed into action that awards nurse practitioners the ability to work independently, making it a great time to explore this career path. Here are 3 reasons to consider a career as a nurse practitioner.聽
You have more autonomy. Because of a nurse practitioner鈥檚 advanced education and experience, New York now allows nurse practitioners to enjoy the same autonomy as a physician. This legislation was just signed in 2022, granting NPs 鈥渇ull practice authority.鈥� That means they鈥檙e licensed to see their own patients without the oversight of a supervising physician. They鈥檙e able to evaluate, diagnose, and treat patients, manage the treatment plan, prescribe medications, interpret lab tests, and refer patients to specialists. In states with reduced or restricted practice, the NP works in a regulated collaborative team with another healthcare provider or is subject to career-long supervision.聽
You develop deeper relationships with patients. With that autonomy, you are likely to develop long-term relationships with your patients. If you specialize in family practice, you might treat the whole family, and that provides continuity for you and the family. Within the medical field, nurse practitioners can choose a specialty. Some of the more popular specialties include family practice, pediatrics, women鈥檚 health, and gerontology. No matter what you choose, you鈥檒l likely develop a close connection with your patients.聽
The field is growing. Between 2021-31, the NP field is projected to grow , one of the fastest-growing fields, according to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics. In New York, the job market for NPs is projected to grow 41% by 2028, according to a 2022 report by . To put that number into perspective, the average growth rate for jobs is typically 5%. The projected growth for NPs is in part due to a large segment of the population aging into retirement but also due to an expected shortage of physicians. Nurse practitioners will play an important role in filling the gap in New York with their new 鈥渇ull practice authority.鈥澛�
Do you already work in nursing or are you considering how to get started so you can reach your career goal to become a nurse practitioner? The path requires a master鈥檚 degree in nursing (MSN) and completing a higher number of clinical hours. Although it鈥檚 possible to become a nurse practitioner right away, many NPs start their careers off as RNs.聽
If you鈥檙e looking to get started in your nursing education or further advance your nursing career, St. Paul鈥檚 School of Nursing鈥攃ampuses in Queens and Staten Island鈥攐ffers an associate degree in nursing (ADN). Visit our website, or call (855) 822-3018 to speak to one of our admissions representatives or to schedule a campus tour.聽