It’s no secret that America needs more qualified medical professionals. We’ve been experiencing a shortage lately, and it’s constantly growing. On top of that, the demand for medical care is surging, which is making the expanding deficit even more problematic. With that being the case, if you become part of the healthcare sector, you’re sure to make a difference in people’s lives and help ease the workload on your fellow medical professionals.
Entering into the healthcare field means you have numerous paths to potentially follow. From doctors in various specialties to physician assistants and beyond, the possibilities are vast. There are also countless nurse practitioner opportunities available if this is the career you’d like to pursue. Before entering into this field, though, it’s important to understand the pros and cons of being an NP.
Exploring the Benefits of Being an NP
First, let’s look at the benefits of being a nurse practitioner. One of the most obvious and significant is being able to help patients. No matter what type of medical facility you work in, you’ll help people overcome illnesses, deal with chronic conditions, and recover from injuries. For many people, that alone is reason enough to pursue a career as an NP, but it’s only the tip of the iceberg.
Job Security
Another reason to become a nurse practitioner is the job security that comes with it. As mentioned, the need for NPs is growing. In fact, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects the demand for NPs to soar by 45 percent over the next few years, which is much faster than most occupations. As such, you won’t have to worry about no jobs being available once you earn your degree and certification.
Extensive Knowledge and Responsibilities
As a nurse practitioner, you’ll also have extensive medical knowledge and significant responsibilities. You’ll need to evaluate patients, diagnose them, and determine treatment plans, and you’ll have the skills and experience to do so effectively. In some states, NPs are allowed to practice independently, so they’re primarily responsible for their patients’ health and safety. In other states, NPs are required to practice under the supervision of a physician. Even then, they have a great deal of authority regarding patients’ care.
Salary
Salary is yet another advantage of becoming a nurse practitioner. Depending on where you practice, you could earn anywhere from approximately $105,000 to over $140,000 annually with the median salary being about $126,000. In comparison, the average salary for a registered nurse is about $86,000 per year. If you decide to pursue a specialty, you could earn even more.
Discussing the Disadvantages of Being an NP
Now, let’s delve into the potential cons of being an NP. Some consider the previously mentioned responsibilities of the position to be a disadvantage. After all, having so many obligations can be a bit of a frightening thought. This is very much a matter of perspective, though. Beyond that point, certain other disadvantages can come into play.
Long Hours
Nurse practitioners can certainly work long hours. By some accounts, the average work week for an NP is 40 hours with shifts ranging from 8 to 12 hours. Of course, many NPs are quick to point out that they ultimately end up putting in far more hours than the norm once all is said and done. Those hours can make it difficult to find a satisfying work-life balance.
Stress
Furthermore, being a nurse practitioner can be highly stressful. That’s especially true if you work in a dynamic, fast-paced environment, such as an emergency department. At the same time, you’ll often be seeing people at their worst when they’re particularly challenging to deal with. That often detracts from the satisfaction NPs get from helping people.
Extensive Educational Requirements
Finally, becoming a nurse practitioner comes with extensive educational requirements. You’ll start by earning a bachelor’s degree in nursing, which takes up to four years. From there, you’ll need to earn a master’s degree or doctorate in nursing. That may add another two or three years to your educational journey. It’s important to mention that earning those degrees can lead to a great deal of student debt as well.
Making a Difference by Becoming a Nurse Practitioner
If you’re thinking of entering the field of medicine or advancing your career in healthcare, becoming a nurse practitioner can be an extremely rewarding path to follow. You’ll have extensive medical knowledge, and you’ll make a major difference by helping people live longer, healthier lives. As is the case with every profession, being an NP comes with both benefits and disadvantages. Weigh the pros against the cons to determine if this might be the right path for you.