We’ve already discussed the advantages of per diem nursing, but did you know that there are also per diem nurse practitioner opportunities? Per diem workers provide short-term employment to cover for full-time staff who may be sick or on vacation. Per diem nursing is great for those who are searching for more freedom and flexibility in their jobs.
Check out Favorite’s open nurse practitioner jobs.
What is a nurse practitioner?
According to the American Association of Nurse Practitioners, nurse practitioners (NPs) are licensed clinicians who focus on managing people’s health conditions and preventing diseases. To become a nurse practitioner, you must first be a registered nurse and then you can move on to study toward your master’s degree.
An increasing role in primary care
A nurse practitioner’s role has constantly evolved over the years. Today, more patients are making visits to nurse practitioners and sometimes see them in place of a primary care physician. As the U.S. continues to see shortages in the healthcare field, we will also see the need for more primary care providers.
There has been an increase in nurse practitioners in primary care and this could help solve the shortage, especially in rural areas. Primary care providers are a vital asset to the industry – they are often a patient’s first point of contact in the healthcare system. Primary care providers are typically the first to diagnose major health problems, such as diabetes and heart disease. They help improve a patient’s quality of life and educate them on how to make healthy choices and manage poor health conditions.
Even though we are seeing an increase of NPs in primary care, some states have restrictions and require a physician to supervise. Even though these rules vary state-to-state, the need for nurse practitioners in the healthcare industry will continue to grow.
Nurse Practitioner Benefits
There are many benefits to having a career as a nurse practitioner. For one, job security for nurse practitioners is high. Currently, there are over 248,000 licensed NPs in the United States and that number will continue to increase. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of nurse practitioners is expected to grow by almost 20% by the year 2020. An NP’s median salary is higher than the national average and is also expected to grow by 2020.
An NP’s schedule is also a major plus. Some may decide to work a traditional 40-hour work week, while others may work three 12-hour shifts per week. Either way, nurse practitioners have the flexibility to keep a schedule that works for them depending on the setting they work in.
What are your thoughts on the changing role of nurse practitioners in healthcare? Let us know in the comments below.
Favorite can help you find the perfect position that fits your lifestyle. Start picking up extra shifts, choosing your schedule and gaining hands-on experience in various facilities.
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