Montana Nurse Practitioners
Career News September 17, 2013In Montana, nurse practitioners enjoy plenty of opportunities for personal and professional growth. No matter whether you’re just starting out in your career or you’re already in the nursing profession and looking to further your education; becoming a nurse practitioner will confer many opportunities and rewards in your professional and personal life. This career offers flexibility, appreciation, higher than average salary and the ability to effect change in the world.
What Does a Nurse Practitioner Do?
A nurse practitioner is qualified to diagnose and treat acute and chronic medical conditions. Upon completion of your education and licensure, you’ll be able to order laboratory tests, prescribe medication and conduct medical exams on your patients. You’ll be able to choose from a wide variety of work environments, including physician offices, health clinics, schools, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, hospitals and urgent care centers.
The Benefits of Working as a Nurse Practitioner
As a nurse practitioner, you’ll gain benefits such as flexibility of your work hours, the choice of work environments, the ability to choose a specialty of practice and employment benefits such as tuition reimbursement and vacation leave. Each nurse practitioner is a valued part of medical teams and often work alongside physicians and other registered nurses. The autonomy of a nurse practitioner means you’ll have a greater say in the care and treatment of your patients than a registered nurse does. You’ll also have the opportunity to educate your patients and their families about how to live in a healthy manner, how to manage their chronic conditions and how to identify an emergency medical situation.
Employment Opportunities for a Nursing Career
Openings for nurse practitioner jobs are expected to grow by 31 percent between 2012 and 2022, which is much faster than the national average for all occupations. Health services, including nursing, is the third-largest employment sector in Montana and is enjoying the fifth-greatest rate of increase in employment opportunities. Opportunities for employment as a nurse practitioner are growing the fastest in major cities, including Billings, Great Falls and Missoula.
Potential for Growth and Change
As a nurse practitioner in Montana, you’ll have the opportunity to develop new professional skills by taking continuing education units as part of your ongoing licensure. You’ll have the ability to hold hospital privileges and further your career. Whether you practice in primary care or a specialty, your opportunities for advancement include taking on supervisory roles for other nurses, managing medical clinics and working alongside physicians in a medical practice. You’ll also be able to work as an advocate for your patients.
