TNN Bulletin

Healthcare Tips, News, Nursing and Medical Staffing Advice

The Differences between Nurse Practitioners and Registered Nurses

As you may be aware, becoming a nurse provides enormous satisfaction in knowing that you have made a genuine difference in the life of a patient. When contemplating a nursing profession, the jobs of a registered nurse (RN) and nurse practitioner (NP) are frequently considered.

​What is the role of a Registered Nurse?

The tasks of registered nurses differ based on where they work and the size of their team. This is a position where no two days are ever the same.​

Registered nurses examine patients, identify urgent needs, and put medical plans into action.

​RNs also spend their time doing things like:

  • Cleaning and bandaging wounds are examples of wound care.
  • Educating patients and family members about injury and disease treatment and care plans.
  • Observing individuals who are receiving medication or therapy for side effects and responses.
  • Keeping track of patient illnesses and symptoms in medical records.
  • In charge of supervising less experienced nurses and students
  • Medication administration
  • familiarization with the medical business and hospital technologies

Registered nurses also work in a variety of disciplines, including pediatrics, cancer, general medicine, ambulatory care, and rehabilitation.

​What is the role of a Nurse Practitioner?

Nurse practitioners also regularly check patients’ health. However, their duty may vary depending on their position and field.

Nurse Practitioners are responsible for the following tasks:

  • Obtaining data and samples from patients
  • Conducting in-depth examinations
  • Diagnostic test ordering
  • Supervising nurses and other personnel
  • Coordinating with other healthcare experts to share information, develop treatment strategies, and diagnose patients.

Pediatric care, government agencies, family practice, universal faculty, and geriatrics hospitals are some popular specialties among nurse practitioners.

 Nurse Practitioner vs Registered Nurse

  • Responsibilities and roles

Nurse practitioners (NPs) and registered nurses (RNs) both have comparable responsibilities in patient care observation. The capacity of a nurse practitioner to prescribe medications, order tests, and diagnose patients, on the other hand, is a significant distinction between their professions. This varies from the job of registered nurses, who often operate under the supervision of a physician who determines patient care. As a result of their additional education and experience, nurse practitioners have greater responsibilities in the workplace than registered nurses.

  • Education and training

As previously stated, the primary distinction between a nurse practitioner and a registered nurse is their educational background. To work as a registered nurse, you must have a nursing degree and be registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC). A nurse practitioner often has the same qualification, but they must also have a master’s degree, as well as extra clinical experience, certifications, and training.

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