Introduction
An MSN-prepared nurse is a master’s degree that allows working in clinical and alternative healthcare roles. MSN nurses are more highly qualified for certain more highly specialized prepared occupations (for example, nurse practitioner, executive leader, or nurse educator). Such training leads not only to a more exciting job but also to a higher salary and brings more value and value to the team (Barnes et al., 2017). MSN will allow a nurse to specialize and become a nurse educator or leader, while BSNs work directly with patients. The BSN degree aims to train nurses in nursing and the basics of nursing, while the MSN emphasizes leadership and learning leadership skills (Barnes et al., 2017). BSN nurses cannot become managers or directors or acquire a subspecialty such as healthcare data management and information workflows (Barnes et al., 2017). The need for nurses with a master’s degree is growing because they oversee and organize the delivery of ethical, patient-centered, professional care.
Nurse Practitioner: Role and Training
A Nurse Practitioner (NP) is a nurse with a Master’s or Ph.D. in advanced nursing practice, often referred to as ARNP (Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner) or APRN (Advanced Practice Registered Nurse). NPs are becoming increasingly valuable and preferred members of medical teams as they combine clinical expertise in diagnosis and treatment with an emphasis on prevention and nursing care. This relieves pressure on doctors and allows for professional care for people with chronic diseases (Timmons, 2017). NPs provide a wide range of services from diagnosis and treatment to complex medical procedures such as lumbar puncture (Timmons, 2017). Such nurses have become especially valuable in recent decades as the burden on the medical system has increased (Timmons, 2017). Medical teams increasingly need qualified nurses who can work without a doctor’s supervision.
NPs are qualified and licensed at the state level in accordance with state laws and at the level of certification by national organizations with uniform standards of professional practice in all states. NP licensing laws vary significantly from state to state. Some states have independent NP practices, while others require NPs to work with an MD (Timmons, 2017). National certification is through sister organizations (such as Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, FNP-C, and Certified Family Nurse Practitioner). Further, IRs must engage in continuing education in order to be re-certified.
Job Search Strategy for Nurse Practitioners
For a nurse without experience, it can quickly be not easy to find a job in the specialty immediately after graduation, so it is necessary to prepare in advance. However, job search forecasts are optimistic as there is a steady increase in NPs jobs in the US. First, it is worth starting the search in advance and deciding on the desired specialization since different regions of the country have different needs for the specialization of nurses. It is necessary to monitor vacancies on the websites of hospitals of interest, clinics and independent doctors’ offices, medical insurance agencies, research laboratories, rehabilitation centers, nursing homes, etc. The recommended option for a beginner NP is to seek out a doctor-led practice to gain experience. Second, NPs must create a high-quality resume allowing potential employers to assess their interests and specialization. NPs are generalist nurses who are offered vacancies in entirely different roles. To avoid being distracted by them, nurses need to include keywords in their CVs. Thirdly, in the modern world, it is mandatory to join online professional communities and register on sites such as LinkedIn. Fourth, it is worth preparing before the interview, studying information about the institution and the necessary competencies, and working out potential interview questions.
The Value of Nurse Practitioners
NPs are valuable acquisitions for medical teams, as they have the skills of mentors, teachers, researchers, administrators, and diagnosticians. First, the inclusion of NPs in the team reduces healthcare costs, as patients treated with NPs are less likely to present to the emergency department (Barnes et al., 2017). Second, NPs improve service quality and patient satisfaction (Barnes et al., 2017). Third, they offer high-quality, cost-effective first aid (Barnes et al., 2017). Moreover, NPs can fulfill other roles, adapting to the specialization required in the institution. For instance, Clinical Nurse Leaders (CNL) coordinate patient care by collaborating with various teams and nursing teams. Physician Assistants (PAs) help perform medical and sometimes even surgical functions, have the authority to prescribe medications, and take the burden off physicians. Due to the broad scope of practice, NPs can become the missing professional in the team, improving the work of this particular medical institution.
Conclusion
MSN-prepared nurses are extremely important for the modern healthcare system, as they optimize the work of teams, relieve the burden on a number of roles, and help prepare new medical personnel. This means that MSN-prepared nurses have practical experience, advanced knowledge of patient-centered care, and leadership skills. The Nurse Practitioner (NP) is the most sought-after generalist in healthcare today. NPs have the potential to play a range of roles depending on the needs of a particular institution. For them, this is both a plus and a minus. On the one hand, it is easier for them to find a job, as there are more offers for a broad scope of practice. On the other hand, NPs need to be more precise and accurate in their CV and job search settings in order to get offers for their desired specialization.
References
Barnes, H., Maier, C. B., Altares Sarik, D., Germack, H. D., Aiken, L. H., & McHugh, M. D. (2017). Effects of regulation and payment policies on nurse practitioners’ clinical practices. Medical Care Research and Review, 74(4), 431-451. Web.
Timmons, E. J. (2017). The effects of expanded nurse practitioner and physician assistant scope of practice on the cost of Medicaid patient care. Health Policy, 121(2), 189-196. Web.