Registered Nurse to Nurse Practitioner: Is It Worth It?

Working as a registered nurse (RN) can be a rewarding profession. After gaining experience as an RN, many nurses choose to advance their careers by becoming nurse practitioners (NPs). While returning to school can seem daunting, becoming an NP may prove worthwhile.

The demand for more primary care providers continues to grow, allowing for many opportunities for NPs.

Nurse practitioners are advanced practice registered nurses (APRN). RNs and NPs have some similar responsibilities. Both complete physical assessments, take a holistic view of the patient’s health and consider outside factors impacting the patient’s well-being.

Registered nurses carry out the provider’s orders, administer medications, take vital signs, follow through on diagnostic testing, provide wound care and dressing changes, and can assist with procedures. RNs cannot practice independently and must have orders from a provider.

NPs can prescribe medication, order diagnostic testing and treatments, refer patients to specialty care providers, and practice independently in many states. NPs can specialize in a specific population, like pediatrics or adult gerontology, and must be certified and licensed to care for that population. RNs are generalists and can care for any patient within the unit they have been trained.

Another key difference between an RN and an NP is the amount of education. The minimum degree requirement for an RN is an associate degree in nursing (ADN), while an NP must have at least a master of science in nursing (MSN).

As an RN, I followed the orders of the provider as instructed in the patient’s chart. This could mean administering a medication, starting an IV drip, prepping a patient for a procedure, or sending them for a diagnostic study. I would give a nursing assessment to the provider, updating them on how the patient was doing.

As an NP, I provide the orders rather than carrying them out. While I still assess and provide care, I decide on what diagnostic studies to order or medications to prescribe.

RNs can earn an associate degree in nursing or a bachelor of science in nursing. Licensure comes after passing the NCLEX from your state’s board of nursing.

NPs must have a master of science in nursing or a doctor of nursing practice. NPs specialize in a specific patient population in their graduate degree program. After graduation, the NP will take a board certification exam specific to their specialty. NPs must be both board-certified and then licensed by the state in which they practice.

RNs can be licensed for several states through the NLC. NPs do not have this benefit. Instead, NPs must apply for individual licenses in each state where they intend to practice. This means instead of paying one fee to practice in many states, they must pay each specific state’s fee and apply for state licensure. Most states charge anywhere from $150-$300 per license application.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects faster than average job growth for both RNs and NPs. NPs have a higher earning power vs. RNs based on their advanced degree and increased scope of practice.

The BLS projects job growth for RNs to reach 6% between 2022 and 2023. Depending on the location, RNs can earn $61,250-$129,400, according to BLS data. Shift differentials can increase annual salary ranges as well. Working the night shift, holidays, and weekends can also increase an RN’s earning power, as those shifts often have a higher pay rate.

Factors influencing demand are an aging population and more RNs retiring or transitioning to other positions or careers. RNs also have a unique ability to work in various settings, from an outpatient to inpatient to telehealth. Having myriad options for positions allows nurses more job potential.

The BLS expects NP job growth to grow 38% from 2022-2032, much faster than average. Factors influencing growth include an aging population and more medical doctors leaving medicine for other fields. There has been an increased demand for some specialty practitioners, such as psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners. This is in part due to a lack of psychiatric providers, which has then increased the demand for nurse practitioners to fill that gap.

Depending on the specialty practice and certification, NPs earn $87,340-$165,240 depending on location and experience, according to BLS data.

Both RNs and NPs have strong predicted job growth, higher than-average salary ranges, and many job opportunities across the United States. However, RNs and NPs differ in the scope of practice, work responsibilities, and education requirements.

RNs can work in a variety of settings and can switch jobs, specialties, or units throughout their careers. They are uniquely positioned to be frontline workers who provide care, support, and empathy at some of the most stressful times in a person’s life.

NPs can order diagnostic tests, write prescriptions, and complete simple procedures, such as suturing, incision, drainage, or wound debridement. They can work independently in some states, holding more professional autonomy than an RN. NPs also offer a deeper insight into patient care. NPs tend to have more time to assess their patients and provide one-on-one care at a visit compared to other healthcare providers.

NPs require a higher level of education but also have a higher earning potential.

Both NPs and RNs can be highly rewarding careers that allow you to make a meaningful impact in patients’ lives and overall health.