Nurse Practitoiners need extensive medical knowledge as they combine the skills of a nurse with that of a doctor. Nurse practitioners see patients, just like doctors, and provide acute care or prescribe certain medications or therapy.
Duties of a Nurse Practitioner:
- Interview patients to get a medical history.
- Conduct physical examinations.
- Diagnose injuries, illnesses, and disorders.
- Prescribe certain medications to treat chronic or acute illness.
- Teach patients about illness prevention and a healthy lifestyle.
- Communicate with other health care providers to achieve total health for patients.
Work Requirements:
Nurse practitioners need to be focused and mentally strong. The may have to treat some very bad injuries and therefore must be able to remain calm in pressure situations. Nurse Practitioners must also be able to listen effectively to their patients and clearly communicate the best way to treat their health concern.
Types of Work Environments:
- Private practice
- Hospitals
- Community clinics
Personality Requirements:
- Calm under pressure
- Great listener and communication skills
- Interested in helping people
- Passionate about their work and patients
- Be confidential
Education: 7-9 years post-secondary
Bachelor's degree in Nursing, followed by either a Master's degree or Doctoral degree in a Nurse Practitioner program.
Certification:
Provincial: College of Nurses - Extended Class. (The college of nurses is currently applying for a protected Nurse Practitioner title)
Courses taken during high school which will assist you in becoming a Nurse Practitioner:
- Chemistry
- Biology
- Math
- English
- Physics
Wages:
Average annual income: $90,000
Links:
Nurse Practitioner's Association of Ontario
Canadian Nurse Practitioner Initiative
www.cna-nurses.ca/cna/practice/advanced/initiative/default_e.aspx
