Idaho Nurse Practitioners
Career News September 17, 2013Nurse practitioners fulfill a vital role in the nation’s healthcare system. They work as part of a team of physicians, registered nurses and medical assistants or on their own in stand-alone and walk-in clinics. As a nurse practitioner, you may decide on a specialty such as pediatrics, geriatrics, obstetrics, gynecology or emergency medicine. Whether you’re new to the workforce or considering a career change, becoming a nurse practitioner is a rewarding position replete with opportunity for a successful future.
Nurse Practitioner Job Duties
As a nurse practitioner, you’ll diagnose and treat acute and chronic medical conditions, prescribe medication, conduct medical exams, explain health risks and provide education about healthy living. You may order diagnostic, laboratory or imaging tests to help with the diagnosis of injuries and diseases. Some of these nurses take on supervisory roles in the hospital setting.
The Rewards and Benefits of a Nursing Career
Each nurse practitioner enjoys flexibility of scheduling and work environment. If you have young kids at home, you could work a weekend schedule and be home with your kids during the week. You’ll have your choice of a wide variety of work locations from hospitals to nursing homes, health clinics, physician’s offices and schools. As a nurse practitioner, you’ll enjoy a high starting salary and competitive benefits as the profession is in such high demand. The flexibility of specialty of practice allows you to choose a type of healthcare that you feel passionate about. You’ll also receive appreciation from your patients and their families for all the hard work you do.
Opportunities for Growth and Advancement
Nurses have ample opportunities for personal and professional growth and advancement. In order to maintain your licensure, you’ll need to participate in continuing nursing education courses. This allows you to hone your skills and enhance your abilities. You’ll also have the opportunity to advance professionally.
The Idaho Nurse Practitioner Job Market
The national job market for all nursing specialties is expected to grow by 19 percent between 2012 and 2022, which is much faster than the national average for all occupations. In Idaho, healthcare services is the third-greatest sector of employment. It’s also enjoying the third-fastest rate of growth in all job industries in the state. With the low unemployment rate in Idaho and the great demand for nursing practitioners, you’ll be able to choose from many job openings based upon your preferences for work environment, hours, scheduling and location.
