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Nursing

What is a nurse practitioner?

Nurse practitioners provide vital healthcare across the nation. Find out what these highly qualified professionals do.



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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 $145,000 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. 

The courses below are listed by qualification level, from lowest to highest.

Graduate Certificate in Nursing Education
Graduate Certificate in Nursing Education
#1 in Australia for academic reputation in Nursing (QS World University Rankings, 2022) Top ranked for Excellence in Research in Australia for Nursing & Midwifery (QS Stars Rating, 2018-2021) Australia's #1 performing university under 50 (QS Top 50 Under 50, 2020) UTS Online's Graduate Certificate in Nursing Education is for nurses that want to build their expertise in interdisciplinary education, collaboration and leadership to influence workplace outcomes in healthcare settings. Students will develop the skills to lead and manage change while implementing effective approaches for building evidence-based teaching and learning capacity in their workplace. This course is delivered 100% online in a collaborative learning environment where students engage in interactive activities that address real-world challenges relevant to their practice. Upon successful completion of the Graduate Certificate in Nursing Education, you will have the opportunity to progress to one of the following courses: Master of Advanced Nursing (available to registered nurses only) Master of Education (Learning and Leadership)
Graduate Certificate 8 months 4 Units
Units
  • Creating a Culture of Teaching and Learning in Healthcare
  • Designing Innovative Learning
  • Specialty Clinical Practice
  • Plus Electives
Graduate Certificate of Nursing Majoring in Education
Graduate Certificate of Nursing Majoring in Education
100% online and part-time Fast-track your career with flexible study you can balance around your life. Study one subject at a time and complete your degree in as little as eight months part-time. One of Australia's top 10 nursing schools You’ll study and connect with industry leaders, specialists and experienced nurse academics. JCU’s online Graduate Certificate of Nursing will help prepare you for the healthcare system of tomorrow. Australia's healthcare landscape is changing. Governments, industry and healthcare providers are working smarter to meet rising costs coupled with the increasing demand on our health system. You’ll develop advanced knowledge and specialist skills in your chosen nursing field. You’ll be able to take on nursing leadership roles in your area of practice, receive increased professional recognition and boost your potential to seize new opportunities in your nursing career. The Education major, with its two specialised units in healthcare education, gives you the ability to take on educational practice roles in clinical or non-clinical environments.
Graduate Certificate 8 months 4 Units
Units
  • Principles of Education for the Health Professional
  • Teaching in Practice Settings
  • Clinical Coaching
  • Persuasive Communication
Graduate Diploma of Nursing Majoring in Education
Graduate Diploma of Nursing Majoring in Education
100% online and part-time Fast-track your career with flexible study you can balance around your life. Study one subject at a time and complete your degree in as little as eight months part-time. One of Australia's top 10 nursing schools You’ll study and connect with industry leaders, specialists and experienced nurse academics. Australia’s health system is changing to meet more demand than ever before. James Cook University’s Online Graduate Diploma of Nursing will equip you with the critical thinking skills and theoretical knowledge to apply advanced nursing concepts in the clinical setting. This online course will prepare you to lead nursing practice and optimise patient outcomes in a hospital setting. The Education major, with its eight specialised units in healthcare education, gives you the ability to take on educational practice roles in clinical or non-clinical environments.
Graduate Diploma 16 months 8 Units
Units
  • Principles of Education for the Health Professional
  • Teaching in Practice Settings
  • Clinical Coaching
  • Persuasive Communication
  • Informatics for Health Professionals
  • Contemporary Healthcare Education
  • Effective Clinical Governance
  • Synthesising Evidence for Healthcare
Master of Nursing Majoring in Education
Master of Nursing Majoring in Education
With a rapidly ageing population, changes in technology, changes in management demands, and the evolution of nursing knowledge and practice, there are growing opportunities for qualified senior nurses and nurse leaders in Australia. JCU Online’s Master of Nursing gives you the qualifications and skills you need to evolve your career as fast as healthcare itself is changing. It will allow you to take on more complex roles and deliver better patient care. The Education major, with its four specialised units in healthcare education, gives you the ability to take on educational practice roles in clinical or non-clinical environments. Transform your practice and improve your clinical skillset Develop key skills to help you succeed in clinical contexts Understand the latest in healthcare informatics Designed by passionate nursing professionals Fast-track your career with 100% online study Be supported by a dedicated Student Success Advisor
Master's 24 months 12 Units
Units
  • Informatics for Health Professionals
  • Effective Clinical Governance
  • Persuasive Communication
  • Synthesising Evidence for Healthcare
  • Quantitative Research in Healthcare
  • Qualitative Research in Healthcare
  • Implementing Practice Development in Healthcare Contexts
  • Professional Portfolios for Career Advancement
  • Principles of Education for the Health Professional
  • Teaching in Practice Settings
  • Clinical Coaching
  • Contemporary Healthcare Education

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