What is a nurse practitioner?

As an experienced registered nurse, the desire to evolve in your career is natural. Pursuing endorsement as a nurse practitioner is an opportunity-rich pathway for those seeking a clinically advanced role.

So, what is a nurse practitioner, and what does the role entail? These senior, independent nurses play a vital role in the healthcare system. This article explores the key duties of a nurse practitioner and the benefits of the position for those considering engaging in ongoing education.

What is a nurse practitioner?

Nurse practitioners add value to the health system and offer holistic care as the most senior and independent nurses in Australia.

The nurse practitioner role has existed in Australia for more than 20 years, with these professionals now working in all states and territories and across every healthcare discipline.

Jessica Kumar is a child health nurse and lactation consultant at Coast Life Families, and is working towards her nurse practitioner endorsement with a specialisation in child health. We spoke to her about how this nursing role has evolved.

“There was a recognition that in certain fields of healthcare – and geographical locations – there was a lack of access to qualified specialised medical practitioners,” Jessica says. “Nurse practitioners were able to fill that gap with a high level of expertise in specific fields.”

In Australia, there are only around 2,425 practising nurse practitioners. But according to the Australian College of Nurse Practitioners, it has been shown that the cost-effective care provided by these professionals improves access and patient satisfaction, reduces wait times and leads to important mentorship to other health professionals.

What does a nurse practitioner do?

A nurse practitioner is a registered nurse who has completed study at a master’s level and been endorsed by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) to practise.

“The nurse practitioner role comes under the banner of an advanced practice nurse, and you need a certain amount of experience in a specialised field to study,” Jessica says. These specialties include but aren’t limited to ageing and palliative care, primary health care, mental health and more.

“As a nurse practitioner, you have the capacity to work within the nursing model of care to do things other medical practitioners would do, like prescribe, diagnose and treat,” Jessica says.

So, what does a nurse practitioner’s typical day look like? They often work alone but can also work as part of a multidisciplinary team, such as in a health centre or hospital. Therefore, their responsibilities depend on their specialisation and setting. However, duties can include the following:

• diagnosing and treating patients
• communicating with nurses and other healthcare professionals
• prescribing medication
• ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests
• providing holistic patient care

This distinctive profession is an obvious next step for an experienced registered nurse, but what are the benefits of pursuing a career as a nurse practitioner?

Advantages of being a nurse practitioner

As a protected title, becoming a nurse practitioner means meeting educational requirements and endorsement from a governing body. Once endorsed, a nurse practitioner can enjoy professional advantages, such as:

• autonomy and independence
• the ability to specialise
• increase salary and opportunities
• professional advancement

Autonomy and independence

As independent specialists, nurse practitioners have autonomy over where and how they work, creating schedules and care plans for patients.

The ability to specialise

A registered nurse with considerable experience may pursue the nurse practitioner title to continue specialising in their area of interest. “It gives nurses a chance to become a leader in their area of expertise,” Jessica says.

Increased salary and opportunities

Better professional opportunities and earning potential are other benefits of this role. Nurses who go on to specialise as nurse practitioners enjoy a higher salary, with the average nurse practitioner’s salary between $135,000 and $150,000 a year.

Professional advancement

Jessica believes the nurse practitioner pathway is ideal for registered nurses wanting to advance their career clinically. “Often, we rise through the ranks in nursing, and management becomes more and more of our role,” she says. “Becoming a nurse practitioner is the best way to advance your career clinically without becoming a manager.”

Thanks to flexible online study options, registered nurses can study to become nurse practitioners in a flexible format that suits them.

A pathway towards advanced nursing

GlobalHealth Education partners with Australia’s leading universities, offering nursing education so you can advance your career.