Occupation information for

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.

Currently Employed: 10,076

Yearly Projected Openings: 390

Typical Hourly Wage: $22.78 - $42.79

Typical Annual Salary: $47,400 - $89,000

• Order, perform, or interpret the results of diagnostic tests such as complete blood counts (CBCs), electrocardiograms (EKGs), and radiographs (x-rays).
• Analyze and interpret patients' histories, symptoms, physical findings, or diagnostic information to develop appropriate diagnoses.
• Prescribe medication dosages, routes, and frequencies based on patients' characteristics such as age and gender.
• 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.
• Recommend interventions to modify behavior associated with health risks.
• 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.
• 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.

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

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