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Is A Nurse Practitioner The Right Career Path For You?
There are so many areas in the healthcare industry where employees are in short supply. Between the COVID-19 pandemic, an aging population and many retiring from the field, the country has suddenly been left with many job vacancies. It?s enough that many people are now taking notice and asking if healthcare may be the right avenue for them.
One career in particular that is getting a lot of attention is nurse practitioner. These advanced nursing positions can be found across the country, but is it the right path for you? Here are some of the reasons you may choose a career as a nurse practitioner.
It?s Can Be A Natural Next Step For Nursing Professionals
If you are already a nurse and have dedicated all your working years to the profession but you are looking to advance in your career, becoming a nurse practitioner can be ideal. For those who already have their Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), you can enroll in a Doctor of Nursing (DNP) program, which will be needed if you want to become a nurse practitioner. Even better, you can enroll in an online DNP degree, which offers greater flexibility and convenience.
You Are Open To More Schooling And Training
While on the topic of the DNP program, you also need to be open to more schooling and training if you wish to become a nurse practitioner. So, be sure to factor in the time it will take to earn your higher degree and certification.
The Profession Is In Very High Demand
Deciding to become a nurse practitioner also means you are pretty much guaranteed to find work regardless of where you live in the country. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the job outlook between 2022 and 2032 has the career growing by a whopping 38%. That is well above the national average and is fabulous news for anyone eyeing this career path.
Nurse Practitioners Make A Higher Salary Than Rns
One problem nurses can run into is that they reach their most likely salary cap, meaning they have reached the maximum they can make in the job. Although you may be able to work in a different facility or state and make a bit more, it won?t be substantial. While this can feel satisfying in one sense, in another, it means you may not reach the financial goals that you had set for yourself. Pursuing a career as a nurse practitioner allows you to advance into the next salary bracket.
The BLS states the median pay of nurse practitioners in 2022 was $125,900/year. Registered nurses, on the other hand, had a median pay of $81,220 for 2022. That?s a massive difference that can help you reach your financial goals.
The fact is that if you work in the healthcare industry as a registered nurse and you feel like you?ve hit the limit in terms of what you can learn and glean from the job, as well as the salary, then it may be time to move on. Working as a nurse practitioner may just be the best option for you.
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