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Where Do Nurse Practitioners Work? Top 24 Settings Revealed

If you’re considering a career as a nurse practitioner or are a recent NP graduate, you may be wondering about the diverse range of work opportunities available. Nurse practitioners possess a unique skill set and training, qualifying them for employment in various medical settings. In this article, we will explore the top 24 settings where most nurse practitioners work, providing you with valuable insights to kickstart your extraordinary career. Discover if any of these settings resonate with you!

  1. Hospitals: Nurse practitioners play a vital role in hospital settings, working alongside physicians and physician assistants to provide comprehensive care to patients. They round on patients, admit from the emergency department, collaborate with the medical team, and refer to specialists.
  2. Emergency Rooms: Advanced practice nurse practitioners with acute care training excel in the fast-paced environment of emergency rooms. They utilize their skills to efficiently handle a wide range of injuries and illnesses across all age groups.
  3. Offices of Private Physicians: Approximately 47% of nurse practitioners work in private physician offices, covering a broad spectrum of primary and specialty care areas such as pediatrics, family medicine, oncology, obstetrics, internal medicine, and cardiology.
  4. Nursing Homes: Nurse practitioners autonomously provide acute and chronic illness care, injury treatment, physical exams, and medication management in nursing home settings. Some NPs also serve as part of mobile vascular teams, offering specialized services to senior facilities.
  5. Public Health Departments: Public health nurse practitioners work in community-based settings, delivering care to underserved populations. They often visit patients in their homes or community facilities, focusing on immunizations, well check-ups, patient education, and referral.
  6. Schools: School nurse practitioners collaborate with certified school nurses to provide healthcare services to students. They offer acute care for illness and injury, conduct physical examinations, prescribe medication, and make referrals to specialists.
  7. Correctional Facilities: Nurse practitioners in correctional facilities provide medical care to inmates in county jails, private prisons, federal penitentiaries, or ICE detention centers. They conduct examinations, prescribe medication, and assist with the detoxification process.
  8. Substance Abuse Treatment Centers: Nurse practitioners specializing in addiction and detoxification work as part of a multidisciplinary team in substance abuse treatment centers. They conduct assessments, develop treatment plans, and implement patient care.
  9. Weight Loss Centers: Nurse practitioners at weight loss centers oversee clinics, prescribing medication, administering treatments such as laser therapy and liposuction, and providing primary care. Some centers may have physician oversight, while others are nurse practitioner-run.
  10. Home Health: Home health nurse practitioners serve as primary care providers for home-bound patients, including the elderly and those with special needs. They assess, diagnose, prescribe, and implement treatments, offering holistic care.
  11. Insurance Companies: Nurse practitioners employed by insurance companies often travel to patients’ homes to provide examinations, recommendations for medication and treatment, and perform testing such as bloodwork.
  12. Rehab Centers: Nurse practitioners in rehabilitation centers contribute to medical evaluations, treatment planning, and prescribing assistive devices. They focus on facilitating steady progress, minimizing setbacks, and reducing hospital readmissions.
  13. Military: Nurse practitioners have numerous opportunities within the military, including positions in the US Army, Navy Nurse Corps, and Air Force. They provide care to service members and their families in various specialties and locations worldwide.
  14. Private Corporations: Private corporations, such as CVS and GoodRX, seek nurse practitioners for roles in telehealth and clinical trials. Some corporations have onsite health clinics, providing independent environments for nurse practitioners.
  15. Universities: Nurse practitioners can work at universities’ health centers, offering assessment, medication, and treatment services to students. Additionally, they may qualify to teach nursing students enrolled in BSN programs or join the faculty to teach MSN students.
  16. Hospice: Nurse practitioners working in hospice care provide comfort and holistic care to terminally ill patients. They collaborate with the hospice team, plan and implement treatment, and advocate for patients’ needs.
  17. Underserved Areas/Indian Reservations: Interesting enough, nurse practitioners play a crucial role in addressing the physician shortage by serving as physician extenders in underserved areas and Indian reservations. Programs like Indian Health Services help place NPs in areas with the greatest need.
  18. Community Clinics: Community clinics, found in medium-sized towns and cities, provide primary and specialty care. Nurse practitioners collaborate with physicians to treat patients of all ages, offering a wide range of healthcare services.
  19. US Department of Veterans Affairs: Nurse practitioners serve as primary care providers within the extensive US Department of Veterans Affairs health system. The VA offers nurse practitioner residency programs and presents financial incentives for NPs interested in this rewarding field.
  20. Kids Camps: Children’s camps require the presence of nurses and nurse practitioners to ensure the well-being of campers. Nurse practitioners can work in various specialized camps, such as those catering to children with HIV, diabetes, or ventilator dependence.
  21. Travel NP: Travel nurse practitioners have the opportunity to work in different locations and settings based on their expertise and preferences. Assignments typically last 3-6 months and offer excellent pay, with potential extensions beyond the contract.
  22. Urgent Care: Urgent care centers are on the rise, providing accessible healthcare in malls, pharmacies, and standalone structures. Nurse practitioners are essential members of these teams, delivering acute care, ordering tests, prescribing treatment, and functioning similarly to physicians.
  23. Telehealth: Telehealth has gained prominence, allowing patients to receive healthcare services remotely via virtual visits. Nurse practitioners in telehealth play a crucial role in providing care and are in high demand, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
  24. Online Care Team: Virtual care groups have emerged, offering medical advice and treatment solely through online platforms. Nurse practitioners working in online care function as primary care providers, conducting virtual exams, prescribing medication, and ordering tests.

In conclusion, nurse practitioners work in diverse settings, catering to various populations and healthcare needs. Whether you prefer working with specific age groups, underserved communities, or seeking flexibility and adventure, there’s a rewarding NP job awaiting you. With your advanced nursing skills and degree, you can find a fulfilling career setting tailored to your aspirations and contribute to the well-being of patients across different environments.

Remember, wherever you choose to work as a nurse practitioner, your expertise and dedication will make a significant impact on the lives of those you serve.

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