Though nurse practitioners have long been an integral part of the healthcare industry, the job and what it entails are changing and evolving with the times. Nurse practitioners now have many more opportunities to advance their careers, specialize in different fields, and do a lot more. Some of the ways the role of a nurse practitioner has evolved in modern healthcare include the following.
Bigger Scope of Practice
In recent years, working as a nurse practitioner has begun to encompass more than it did in the past. They can help with everything from preventative care to disease management. Depending on the state, they may be able to diagnose issues, prescribe medications, and help patients manage their treatments. They’re no longer just an assistant to the doctor, but can do a lot more on their own to help patients and ensure the patients receive the care they need. Those who are certified as a nurse practitioner can look into the jobs open today to find one that’s going to have more responsibilities or that’s going to provide better pay.
Help to Bridge Gaps in Care
Today, there are gaps in healthcare throughout the US because of staffing shortages, a lack of access in more rural areas, and other factors. This has helped lead the way for nurse practitioners to have an expanded role in many states and enables them to do more on their own. This can be helpful for nurse practitioners who want to do more with their career and can allow them to help more patients who may otherwise not have the care they need due to a lack of staffing or access in their location.
Opportunities to Specialize
Nurse practitioners can specialize to offer care to a certain subset, depending on their preferences. They may choose from any of the specialties, including pediatrics, geriatrics, mental health, and more. This opens up more opportunities for nurse practitioners to be able to find a job doing what they love, so they can offer more care to patients and help ensure they are working a job that’s going to help them make a difference. With many specialties to choose from, nurse practitioners have plenty of opportunities to choose from for their career.
Increased Adaptation in Tech and Telehealth
An increase in tech used in the healthcare field is leading to many more opportunities for nurse practitioners, especially when they’re in states where they have the authority to handle patients on their own. Telehealth is increasingly a common choice for nurse practitioners, as it allows them to help those in underserved communities, make it easier for patients to receive care, and provide the care needed to many different patients who prefer the telehealth format. Depending on the position, this may even be a remote opportunity for those who prefer to work from home.
If you’re a nurse practitioner, there is a lot you can do to make sure your career is what you want and what works best for you. New opportunities are available, including the option to work with a staffing agency to find the perfect job for your needs. Whether you’d like to specialize in a certain type of care or you want to start working with the latest technology, there are jobs that will fit your needs perfectly.
