Copyright © 2020 Maryville University. All rights reserved. They can write medical prescriptions, run tests, and provide care for people who have maintenance medications such as patients with diabetes. View all blog posts under Articles | View all blog posts under RN to BSN. If you’re deciding between nurse practitioner and RN careers, it’s important to look at what NPs and RNs do in their day-to-day work as well as the paths to get there. These 3 industries are... 5 HR skills everyone should have on their resume. Learn more about our online degree programs. RNs take charge of planning and coordinating patient care, working with physicians to ensure the best possible outcomes for patients. RNs typically work in patient-facing roles carrying out procedures, treatments, and medications ordered by a provider (such as a physician, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner… Nurse practitioners have greater flexibility when it comes to prescribing medicine and performing duties normally handled by physicians. Registered nurses cannot prescribe medications and often work under the direction of a physician when it comes to determining patient care and follow-up. Incoming Freshman and Graduate Student Admission, Maryville University’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing, American Association of Nurse Practitioners, “What’s a Nurse Practitioner?”, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Nurse Anesthetists, Nurse Midwives, and Nurse Practitioners. and updated on December 9, 2015, Difference Between Similar Terms and Objects, Difference Between Nurse and Nurse Practitioner, Difference Between Tropical Meteorology and Monsoon Meteorology, Difference Between Family Practice and Internal Medicine, Difference Between Communicable and Noncommunicable Disease, Difference between Moderna and Pfizer Vaccine, Difference Between Cough Suppressant and Expectorant, Difference Between Coronavirus and Tuberculosis, Difference Between Vitamin D and Vitamin D3, Difference Between LCD and LED Televisions, Difference Between Mark Zuckerberg and Bill Gates, Difference Between Civil War and Revolution. An ever-growing field, nursing creates opportunities to change lives. Kate Lopaze is a writer, editor, and digital publishing professional based in New York City. If you’re thinking about a career in nursing, both nurse practitioner and registered nurse have the potential to be great, fulfilling career options. Bring us your ambition and we’ll guide you along a personalized path to a quality education that’s designed to change your life. Nurse vs Nurse Practitioner The health care industry deals with the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases, mental and physical disorders, and injuries. Nurse practitioners with DNPs can step into leadership roles that can make an impact on the healthcare system, from individual patients to entire institutions. This salary may vary depending on specialty, experience, and other factors. Graduates must apply for licensure with their state’s nursing board, as well as pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). December 9, 2015 < http://www.differencebetween.net/science/health/difference-between-nurse-and-nurse-practitioner/ >. Nurses are often knowledgeable about the different types of illnesses. They can also specialize in medical areas that they are most interested in, or they can go on and get a Master’s degree or a doctorate degree, the completion of which will make them nurse practitioners. They can either have a two-year Associate’s degree or a four-year Bachelor’s degree. DifferenceBetween.net. 650 Maryville University Drive St. Louis, MO 63141. All Rights Reserved. After all, both types of nurses work with patients to monitor their health and provide direct medical care. • Categorized under Health | Difference Between Nurse and Nurse Practitioner. Thanks to their in-depth knowledge of the nursing profession, they may choose to step into leadership roles that influence health policy, conducting quality improvement projects and advocating for change at an organizational level. Are you currently a licensed RN in the U.S.. 4.Both a nurse and a nurse practitioner have to pass licensure examinations in order to be able to practice, but a nurse practitioner needs to pass several of these examinations while a nurse only has to pass one or two. Educational Paths for RNs and NPs The RN position is one of the first stops on the path to a robust nursing … Sources: Aspiring nurses often begin by entering an RN program, which provides the opportunity to gain both academic and clinical experience. It involves such health care professionals as … The group also includes certified nurse midwives, clinical nurse … Because of the additional education and training for nurse practitioners, salaries tend to be higher for nurse practitioners than registered nurses on average. Those who choose to remain at the RN level can carve out a lifelong career for themselves with only an associate degree and state licensure. You name the health care specialty, there’s probably a specific type of nurse attached. Advanced Practice Nurses vs. Nurse Practitioners. 14. If you’re beginning your career, earning your RN certification is a solid first step. The advanced skill set of nurse practitioners allows them to take on more clinical responsibilities, including diagnosing and treating illnesses. Need a future-proof job? Log in here. Both RNs and NPs help patients in a wide variety of medical settings and assist physicians and larger medical teams.