What does a Nurse Practitioner do?
A nurse practitioner, also known as an advanced practice nurse (APN), is a registered nurse who has had additional training in a specialized area, such as pediatrics or family practice. Nurse practitioners can work alone or with other medical professionals. They usually practice in clinics and doctors' offices, but can also be found in healthcare centers, hospitals and care facilities.
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Working as a Nurse Practitioner
During a normal workday, a nurse practitioner performs many of the same basic tasks as a doctor, including:
- Diagnosing and treating acute and chronic illnesses
- Writing prescriptions for certain medications
- Ordering and performing diagnostic tests, such as electrocardiograms (EKGs) and x-rays
- Advising patients on their health and developing treatment plans
- Providing general counsel and education to patients with regard to health issues
How much does a Nurse Practitioner make in the United States?
Average base salary
The average salary for a nurse practitioner is $121,685 per year in the United States and $18,750 overtime per year.46.5k salaries reported, updated at September 19, 2023
Where can a Nurse Practitioner earn more?
Compare salaries for Nurse Practitioners in different locations
How much do similar professions get paid in United States?
Advanced Practice Registered Nurse
Job openingsAverage $114,270 per year
Family Nurse Practitioner
Job openingsAverage $156,590 per year
Primary Care Physician
Job openingsAverage $200,331 per year
Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
Job openingsAverage $114,840 per year
Psychiatric-mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Job openingsAverage $144,545 per year
Physician Assistant
Job openingsAverage $121,020 per year
Common questions about for a Nurse Practitioner
What are the main job responsibilities of a nurse practitioner (NP)?
A nurse practitioner’s (NP) main responsibilities include:
- Providing treatment to patients by conducting and analyzing diagnostic tests
- Performing physical examinations
- Keeping track of patient medical histories
- Operating medical equipment
What are some of the nurse practitioner (NP) jobs that are available?
Some of the nurse practitioner (NP) jobs available are:
- General Nurse Practitioner
- Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist
- Gerontological Nurse Practitioner
- Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
- Family Nurse Practitioner
What hours do nurse practitioners (NP) work?
Nurse practitioners (NPs) typically work 40-hours per week with shifts varying between 8-12 hours depending on their workplace.
