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Occupation information for

Nurse Practitioners
United States

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description

Diagnose and treat acute, episodic, or chronic illness, independently or as part of a healthcare team. May focus on health promotion and disease prevention. May order, perform, or interpret diagnostic tests such as lab work and x rays. May prescribe medication. Must be registered nurses who have specialized graduate education.

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details

Currently Employed: 2,737,400

Yearly Projected Openings: 120,740

Typical Hourly Wage: $25.85 - $38.65

Typical Annual Salary: $53,800 - $80,400

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typical training

Typical education needed for entry: Associate's degree

Typical work experience needed for a job in this occupation: None

Typical on-the-job training once you have a job in this occupation: None

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typical job duties

  • Prescribe medication dosages, routes, and frequencies based on patients' characteristics such as age and gender.
  • Analyze and interpret patients' histories, symptoms, physical findings, or diagnostic information to develop appropriate diagnoses.
  • Order, perform, or interpret the results of diagnostic tests such as complete blood counts (CBCs), electrocardiograms (EKGs), and radiographs (x-rays).
  • Develop treatment plans based on scientific rationale, standards of care, and professional practice guidelines.
  • Diagnose or treat acute health care problems such as illnesses, infections, and injuries.
  • Prescribe medications based on efficacy, safety, and cost as legally authorized.
  • Counsel patients about drug regimens and possible side effects or interactions with other substances such as food supplements, over-the-counter (OTC) medications, and herbal remedies.
  • Recommend interventions to modify behavior associated with health risks.
  • Detect and respond to adverse drug reactions, with special attention to vulnerable populations such as infants, children, pregnant and lactating women, and older adults.
  • Educate patients about self-management of acute or chronic illnesses, tailoring instructions to patients' individual circumstances.

tools & technology


Tools:
  • Cardiac output CO monitoring units or accessories
  • Electrocardiography EKG units
  • Electronic blood pressure units
  • Suction kits
  • Surgical lasers or accessories

Technology:
  • Internet browser software
  • Medical software
  • Office suite software
  • Spreadsheet software
  • Word processing software