DEPI Staffing - Full Service Healthcare Staffing Agency

Nurse Practitioners may supervise other nurses as case managers or directors of nursing. Their advanced education and experience allows them to work independently at retail clinics and in their own practices. Many Nurse Practitioners specialize in pediatrics, women's health, or acute care. Advanced practice nurses are able to prescribe medication. 

A master's degree is required for all Nurse Practitioners. Most master's programs take two full years of full-time study to complete and require a BSN in order to apply. A few select programs require 1-2 years of clinical experience as well. Certification is often required for Nurse Practitioners.

Advanced practice nurses are in high demand because of expanding responsibilities and a shortage in primary care physicians. Nurses of all types will remain the most in-demand job of 2009 with an estimated need for over 1 million nurses by 2016.

Statistics

Projected Need: 2.5 Million (includes RN's)

Projected Growth: 23%

Median Wage: $42/hour