Nurse Practitioner Job Description

What is a Nurse Practitioner?

Nurse practitioners (NPs) are a type of Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) who undergo specialized education and clinical training that allows them to provide advanced care and perform tasks that registered nurses (RNs) are not licensed to do. Nurse practitioners are often specialized in a certain field, such as pediatrics, gerontology, women's health, or mental health. NPs can examine patients, diagnose illnesses, prescribe medication, and treat illnesses, much like physicians do. Their specific responsibilities depend on their specialization and the state in which they practice. NPs may or may not be required to work under the supervision of a physician, depending on the state they work in.

There are different paths to becoming a nurse practitioner. Most aspiring nurse practitioners earn an undergraduate degree in nursing from an accredited program and become an RN first. Then, after getting some experience as an RN, aspiring nurse practitioners must earn a graduate degree, such as a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). Nurse practitioners must also be licensed in the state they practice in and pass a national certification exam.

Nurse Practitioner Job Description Template

Job Overview

Here at Example Co., we are a leading company in our field in the tri-county area. We're pleased to have a 4.3 rating on Glassdoor from our employees. We are seeking to hire a Nurse Practitioner to join our growing team. If you're eager for your next challenge, Example Co. is a great place to grow your career. Make your next career move with us.

Responsibilities for Nurse Practitioner

  • Peform physical examinations of patients to evaluate health and diagnose illnesses
  • Order and peform diagnostic tests, such as x-rays and laboratory tests
  • Determine, plan, and initiate appropriate treatment, and adjust treatment if necessary
  • Prescribe and dispense medications
  • Document medical information of patients and maintain electronic medical records
  • Educate, instruct, and counsel patients and families on presenting health problems, treatment plans, and home care, and encourage and promote preventative health care and positive health behaviors
  • Request consultation or referral with other health care providers, such as physicians and clinics
  • Actively maintain knowledge of current medical research and trends, and support research projects

Qualifications for Nurse Practitioner

  • Graduate degree from an accredited nursing school, such as a Master of Science in nursing
  • Must have a current license to practice as a nurse practitioner in the state of practice
  • Must have the necessary specialty certification
  • 2-4 years of clinical work experience
  • Must be compassionate and personable
  • Ability to communicate effectively with patients and other medical staff
  • Strong leadership skills, self-confidence, and ability to remain calm in stressful situations
  • Excellent analytical and critical thinking skills
  • Exceptional active listening skills

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Employers: How to Write Great Job Descriptions

  • Be sure to mention requisite years of experience and educational requirements
  • Tell job seekers what's unique about your company and job
  • Ideal length is a few paragraphs or about 200 words
  • Make sure to use appropriate paragraph breaks and bullet points so it’s easy on the eyes
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