Nurse practitioners, or NPs, just like physicians, are trained to assess and diagnose the condition of patients and give medications. Nursing is not just an important job; it is also a successful profession. Individuals with a nursing program degree learn valuable skills, which enables them to help others and make a difference in their lives.
To become a nurse practitioner, one has to obtain an advanced nursing degree like a Master of Science in Nursing – Family Nurse Practitioner (MSN-FNP). Nurse staffing agencies in Los Angeles help job seekers with a nursing degree to get a good job at a reputed healthcare facility.
Of late, nurse practitioners are becoming an integral part of the team of any healthcare facility. However, in America, there is a shortage of qualified and skilled physicians, especially for primary care. Nurse practitioners and physician assistants are filling the gap for physicians to provide primary care and service.
Things to Know About Nurse Practitioners
#1: They are growing in Number
While the number of physicians is decreasing in America, the number of nurse practitioners is gradually increasing. According to the American Association of Nurse Practitioners March 2018 press release, there are 248,000 NPs licensed to practice in the United States, which is at an all-time high.
Another report published by the United States Department of Labor, it is predicted that physician assistant job openings would increase by 37 percent between 2016 and 2026, whereas the role of nurse practitioners would grow by 31 percent.
#2: Growing Job Opportunities
The American Medical Group Association conducted survey research which shows that two-thirds of the organizations have increased advanced practice clinician (APC) manpower, which includes NPs.
As healthcare is now following a team-centric approach to provide optimum care, the role of NPs is integral to the change.
#3: By 2020, Over 800,000 Positions would be Unfilled Nationwide
The American Nurses Association reveals that there would be “far more registered nurse jobs available than any other profession, at more than 100,000 per year.” However, many of these positions are predicted to be unfilled due to various contributing factors. By 2026, over 200,000 nursing positions would be unfilled.
#4: Candidates Are Free to Choose from Over Hundreds of Nursing Professions
According to an article published in Medical News Today, there are more than one hundred nursing professions. Nursing specialties include geriatrics, ambulatory, hospice, neuroscience, nephrology, radiology, pediatrics, telemetry, rheumatology, trauma, and transplant. A Gap Medics article points out that nurse-midwife, nurse practitioner, ICU, neonatal intensive care unit, oncology, and medical surgery are some of the popular professions or specialties within this field.
#5: Approximately 3 Million Nurses are Working in the United States
As the demand for better healthcare services increases with the aging populace in the United States, the number of registered nurse positions is also opening up. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there were 2,955,200 registered nurses in 2016.
The BLS predicts that by 2026, there would be 3, 393, 200 open NP posts, which is a 15% rise within a period of 10 years.
An article published in the American Nurse Today (ANT) notes that 3.1 to 3.6 million registered nurses are already working in America today. This shows that the projection is already met.
#6: An Estimated 62.2% of All Employed NPs Work in Hospitals
In an active hospital, nurses have many important roles to play. In fact, an ANT article highlighted that nurses make the largest group of staff in a hospital. Dedicated nurses carry out most healthcare tasks in a hospital. The same ANT article also disclosed that 62.2% of all registered nurses are working in hospitals.
#7: Home Health Care Nurses are in Demand
While hospitals mainly focus on acute and/or specific healthcare, several private healthcare facilities have come up with more personalized care. For instance, home health care, neighborhood clinics, and outpatient centers are now expanding and opening up new job opportunities for NPs.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report released in 2014, 12,400 home health agencies served approximately 4.9 million patients at home. There is a growing trend in home health care, which increases job opportunities.
#8: Nurse Practitioners Serve the Undeserved
According to a report by the National Rural Health Association, an estimated 20 percent Americans live in rural areas. There are only 13.1 physicians per 10,000 people in rural areas compared to 31.2 percent for 10,000 people in urban areas. As a result, a number of NPs are working in these rural underserved areas. From 17.6 percent in 2008, the total percentage of NPs serving in rural areas has increased to 25.2 percent.
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