The exact training of a nurse practitioner definitely varies from person to person, depending on the setting in which he or she works and the field of specialization

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Sophomore Paper: Nurse Practitioner

        Recently, I was able to take a trip down to Tijuana, Mexico, where I had the opportunity to volunteer at an orphanage for ten days.  While at the orphanage, I was able to help build a sidewalk and a garage for a family who was fleeing domestic violence. During my trip I experienced one of the greatest feelings in my life, which was the complete self-fulfillment and joy in helping another human being. I knew from then on helping people and having the privilege to serve others would be something I would want to do as lifetime career. Thus, combining my love for helping people and my interest in the medical field, I decided to research the occupation of being a nurse practitioner to see if this would be a suitable career option for me in the future.

As a nurse, you can generally plan when you will work and for how long, but your day will be anything but routine. Depending on the area of specialty, nurse practitioners are employed in hospitals, clinics, physicians’ offices, nursing homes, mental health centers, hospices, prisons, and other health care settings (Nurse Practitioner Vocational,69).As you can see ,n all most all instances this occupation takes place indoors in a formal setting. Also, since this occupation is set in a formal setting you can expect that wearing a uniform is mandatory. Much of these dress codes include wearing scrubs, a lab jacket, and often gloves or masks so that nurses may protect themselves and their patients (Nurse Practitioner Oregon, 1). Furthermore, an average nursing shift is eight hours long, with the option of working a day shift, evening shift, or a night shift (Morkes Encylopedia, 71). All of these shifts will require a lot of energy to balance patients, paperwork, and priorities. Also, it’s important to realize that the work of a nurse practitioner can be very stressful. This job will have many emotional demands and you must have the ability to remain clam and flexible in the frequent emergency situations. However, once you learn how to balance the paperwork, the schedules, and the emotions from patients, doctors, and families, you can handle almost anything. Finally, with people living longer than ever before and new technology and medications found every day to treat diseases, being a nurse practitioner will give you the opportunity to touch many lives each day.

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The exact training of a nurse practitioner definitely varies from person to person, depending on the setting in which he or she works and the field of specialization chosen. Although, state requirements for the licensing and registration vary, in almost all states you must be a registered nurse before becoming a nurse practitioner. Thus, “there are three ways to become a registered nurse (RN): an associate’s degree, a diploma at a hospital school of nursing, or a bachelor’s-degree program at a college or university” (Nurse Practitioner Vocational, 65).  However, a bachelor’s degree is generally necessary for anyone who wants to ...

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