Acute Care Nurse Practitioner VS Family Nurse Practitioner Requirements
The healthcare field is continuing to expand in lieu of the economy. The aging population and overall growth in population has increased the need for trained healthcare professionals. Nurse practitioners are an important part of healthcare recognized in all 50 states. Cost effective and high quality services are rendered by nurse practitioners, especially in underserved regions. The requirements for acute care nurse practitioners differ from family nurse practitioners.
Education Requirements
After a four-year degree in nursing is obtained, a master’s degree in advanced nursing practices is required for certification as a nurse practitioner. Some hospitals, health clinics and other employers may require graduation from a doctor of nursing practice program. The certification exams are different for acute care nurse practitioner compared to the family nurse practitioner exam. The course load varies, although acute care and family nurse practitioners take many of the same courses.
Family Nurse Practitioner Job Requirements
The job of a family nurse practitioner is similar to a family physician. This type of nurse will treat patients with non-life-threatening conditions. The family nurse practitioner may treat and educate patients for conditions ranging from colds to on-going conditions such as diabetes. The jobsite for a family nurse practitioner is generally a clinic or doctor’s office. The family nurse practitioner often knows the patient's family and generally sees a patient for a continual period of time.
Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Job Requirements
Hospital emergency departments, intensive care units and trauma centers often employ acute care nurse practitioners. This type of nurse will perform examinations, order diagnostic tests and follow a patient’s treatment in this type setting. An acute care nurse practitioner may treat stab wounds, broken bones, automobile accident victims, post-surgery patients and other accident or life-threatening conditions.