How to Continue Education as a Nurse Practitioner
Becoming a nurse practitioner allows registered nurses to become specialized in fields such as family or children's care, women's health or acute care. Nurses who receive advanced training to work as a nurse practitioner are given additional responsibilities and more authority at work. While you can become qualified as a nurse practitioner right out of nursing school, most decide to work as registered nurses before continuing their education. Once registered nurses have worked in a variety of settings, they are more qualified to choose a specialty.
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Instructions
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If you're planning on continuing your education while still working as a nurse, discuss your decision with your boss. Working in the medical field is often a time-consuming, exhausting job. You should return to school only if you are positive that you'll be able to juggle your education and your work commitments.
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Ask your employer about tuition reimbursement. Some hospitals or doctor's offices prefer to have nurse practitioners on staff. A nurse practitioner's versatility lessens doctors' workloads.
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Apply to a Master's program after researching schools and programs. At this time you will be required to choose a specialty. Your experience as a nurse will help you decide which program is best.
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Complete your Master's program. If you're going to school while working, pace yourself. Overworking yourself will lead to poor grades and poor job performance. If you're working full time, be cautious about scheduling.
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Obtain a license and become certified. Pass the NCLEX-RN exam to receive your license. Then follow your state's certification requirements. Be sure to renew your license and certification when needed.
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Tips & Warnings
Talk with family about your decision to return to school because you'll need the support.
