4 answers
AJ
Student
West Palm Beach, Florida
2
Questions
Asked
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How do Nurse Practitioners work and Registered Nurse ? What is the difference between them?
I do hope to be a Nurse Practitioner but I have also thought of being a Registered Nurse but I don't have much background information on the two.
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4 answers
Doc Frick
Career Coach and Mentor
1351
Answers
California, CA
Updated
Doc’s Answer
AJ if you’re thinking about a career in nursing, both nurse practitioner and registered nurse have the potential to be great, fulfilling career options
Nurse practitioners have greater flexibility when it comes to prescribing medicine and performing duties normally handled by physicians. Licensed nurse practitioners are legally able to prescribe medications and have greater flexibility in diagnosing and treating illnesses. Registered nurses cannot prescribe medications and often work under the direction of a physician when it comes to determining patient care and follow-up.
Nurse practitioners often work in more private practice-style settings like community clinics, government agencies, nonprofits, or educational settings. A nurse practitioner may take on more of a physician-style in a clinical setting. Registered nurses typically work in hospitals or surgical clinics. Because of the nature of private clinics vs. the realities of working in a hospital, nurse practitioners often have more standard hours, while registered nurses work a greater variety of shifts.
Registered nurses usually require a bachelor’s degree in nursing to get started in the field, but nurse practitioners typically hold a master’s degree or higher. This makes nurse practitioner a logical next step for nurses who’ve been in the field for a while and want to take on more of an independent leadership role. But it can also mean additional investment of time and resources in an additional degree, so it’s important to consider whether becoming a nurse practitioner is truly what you want to do.
Hope this is helpful AJ
Nurse practitioners have greater flexibility when it comes to prescribing medicine and performing duties normally handled by physicians. Licensed nurse practitioners are legally able to prescribe medications and have greater flexibility in diagnosing and treating illnesses. Registered nurses cannot prescribe medications and often work under the direction of a physician when it comes to determining patient care and follow-up.
Nurse practitioners often work in more private practice-style settings like community clinics, government agencies, nonprofits, or educational settings. A nurse practitioner may take on more of a physician-style in a clinical setting. Registered nurses typically work in hospitals or surgical clinics. Because of the nature of private clinics vs. the realities of working in a hospital, nurse practitioners often have more standard hours, while registered nurses work a greater variety of shifts.
Registered nurses usually require a bachelor’s degree in nursing to get started in the field, but nurse practitioners typically hold a master’s degree or higher. This makes nurse practitioner a logical next step for nurses who’ve been in the field for a while and want to take on more of an independent leadership role. But it can also mean additional investment of time and resources in an additional degree, so it’s important to consider whether becoming a nurse practitioner is truly what you want to do.
Hope this is helpful AJ
Abigail Bernard, DNP, APRN, FNP-C
Nurse Practitioner
5
Answers
Atlanta, Georgia
Updated
Abigail’s Answer
Nurse practitioners are highly dedicated nurses who have furthered their education by earning master's or doctorate degrees. Depending on the regulations of each state, some nurse practitioners operate under the direct guidance of a doctor, while others work autonomously. They are equipped to evaluate, diagnose, and prescribe medication to patients. Meanwhile, registered nurses, holding either an associate's or bachelor's degree, often work under the direct supervision of a doctor or nurse practitioner.
Both nurse practitioners and registered nurses have the opportunity to serve in various settings such as hospitals, schools, government institutions, and community clinics. They can cater to a diverse range of people including infants, adolescents, adults, women, men, the elderly, or patients with mental health conditions.
There are also unique roles for nurse practitioners and nurses, like school nurses, sexual assault nurses, legal nurses, risk assessment, quality assurance, nurse researchers, nurse managers, or nurse educators.
Becoming a nurse practitioner requires a higher level of education than that of a registered nurse. It's necessary to first be a registered nurse before advancing to a nurse practitioner role. This additional schooling, training, and skills not only boost your earning potential but also open up a wider range of professional opportunities.
Both nurse practitioners and registered nurses have the opportunity to serve in various settings such as hospitals, schools, government institutions, and community clinics. They can cater to a diverse range of people including infants, adolescents, adults, women, men, the elderly, or patients with mental health conditions.
There are also unique roles for nurse practitioners and nurses, like school nurses, sexual assault nurses, legal nurses, risk assessment, quality assurance, nurse researchers, nurse managers, or nurse educators.
Becoming a nurse practitioner requires a higher level of education than that of a registered nurse. It's necessary to first be a registered nurse before advancing to a nurse practitioner role. This additional schooling, training, and skills not only boost your earning potential but also open up a wider range of professional opportunities.
I am really grateful you took the time to answer this question.
AJ
Becky Rouhi (She/Her)
Nurse Practitioner
23
Answers
Springfield, Massachusetts
Updated
Becky’s Answer
Hi AJ,
Great Question. The primary difference between a registered nurse (RN) and a nurse practitioner (NP) is that:
1) The NP can diagnose and treat vs. the RN, who can assess and evaluate but not diagnose and treat.
2) An RN has four years of education vs. the NP, who has an additional 2-4 years depending on the track—two years for a Master's degree and four years for a doctorate in nursing practice.
3) In some states, NPs can work independently.
4) They both sit for a National exam.
Becky Rouhi, DNP, ANP-C
Great Question. The primary difference between a registered nurse (RN) and a nurse practitioner (NP) is that:
1) The NP can diagnose and treat vs. the RN, who can assess and evaluate but not diagnose and treat.
2) An RN has four years of education vs. the NP, who has an additional 2-4 years depending on the track—two years for a Master's degree and four years for a doctorate in nursing practice.
3) In some states, NPs can work independently.
4) They both sit for a National exam.
Becky Rouhi, DNP, ANP-C
Thanks for the advice.
AJ
Jacob Taylor
Production Manager
523
Answers
Stafford, Virginia
Updated
Jacob’s Answer
Certainly, I can explain the roles of Nurse Practitioners (NPs) and Registered Nurses (RNs) and highlight the key differences between them to help you make an informed career choice.
**Registered Nurse (RN):**
1. **Education:** RNs typically complete a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree, but there are also Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) programs. After completing the degree, they must pass the NCLEX-RN exam to become licensed.
2. **Scope of Practice:** RNs provide basic nursing care and work under the supervision of physicians or NPs. They assess patient conditions, administer medications, create care plans, and collaborate with the healthcare team.
3. **Settings:** RNs can work in various healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, and home healthcare.
4. **Specialization:** Some RNs choose to specialize in areas such as pediatric nursing, critical care, or oncology.
**Nurse Practitioner (NP):**
1. **Education:** NPs are advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) who typically hold a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree. They must also become certified in their chosen specialty.
2. **Scope of Practice:** NPs have an expanded scope of practice compared to RNs. They can assess, diagnose, and treat patients, order and interpret diagnostic tests, and prescribe medications. NPs often work more autonomously and can provide primary care independently in many states.
3. **Settings:** NPs work in various healthcare settings, including primary care clinics, specialty practices, hospitals, and even in their clinics or private practices.
4. **Specialization:** NPs can specialize in various fields, such as family practice, pediatrics, geriatrics, psychiatric-mental health, or acute care. This allows them to provide highly specialized care.
**Key Differences:**
1. **Education:** The primary difference lies in the level of education and the scope of practice. NPs have advanced education and greater autonomy in patient care compared to RNs.
2. **Responsibilities:** NPs take on more clinical responsibilities, including diagnosis and treatment, while RNs focus on providing patient care under the guidance of healthcare providers.
3. **Independence:** NPs often have more independence in their practice and may work as primary care providers, whereas RNs work as part of a healthcare team.
Choosing between becoming an RN or an NP depends on your career goals, interests, and the level of responsibility and autonomy you desire. If you aspire to take on a more advanced clinical role with independence, becoming an NP might be the right path. However, both roles are essential in the healthcare system, and your choice should align with your passion and long-term career objectives.
**Registered Nurse (RN):**
1. **Education:** RNs typically complete a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree, but there are also Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) programs. After completing the degree, they must pass the NCLEX-RN exam to become licensed.
2. **Scope of Practice:** RNs provide basic nursing care and work under the supervision of physicians or NPs. They assess patient conditions, administer medications, create care plans, and collaborate with the healthcare team.
3. **Settings:** RNs can work in various healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, and home healthcare.
4. **Specialization:** Some RNs choose to specialize in areas such as pediatric nursing, critical care, or oncology.
**Nurse Practitioner (NP):**
1. **Education:** NPs are advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) who typically hold a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree. They must also become certified in their chosen specialty.
2. **Scope of Practice:** NPs have an expanded scope of practice compared to RNs. They can assess, diagnose, and treat patients, order and interpret diagnostic tests, and prescribe medications. NPs often work more autonomously and can provide primary care independently in many states.
3. **Settings:** NPs work in various healthcare settings, including primary care clinics, specialty practices, hospitals, and even in their clinics or private practices.
4. **Specialization:** NPs can specialize in various fields, such as family practice, pediatrics, geriatrics, psychiatric-mental health, or acute care. This allows them to provide highly specialized care.
**Key Differences:**
1. **Education:** The primary difference lies in the level of education and the scope of practice. NPs have advanced education and greater autonomy in patient care compared to RNs.
2. **Responsibilities:** NPs take on more clinical responsibilities, including diagnosis and treatment, while RNs focus on providing patient care under the guidance of healthcare providers.
3. **Independence:** NPs often have more independence in their practice and may work as primary care providers, whereas RNs work as part of a healthcare team.
Choosing between becoming an RN or an NP depends on your career goals, interests, and the level of responsibility and autonomy you desire. If you aspire to take on a more advanced clinical role with independence, becoming an NP might be the right path. However, both roles are essential in the healthcare system, and your choice should align with your passion and long-term career objectives.