Aspiring nurses who are interested in building the core competencies required to achieve their desired career outcomes often find themselves wondering which nursing degree programs to pursue. Within the nursing profession, there is significant demand for both skilled registered nurses and intuitive nurse practitioners, inviting nursing students to explore what it means to be a nurse practitioner versus an RN.
When comparing a registered nurse versus a nurse practitioner, it is important to keep in mind that both positions play a critical role in the healthcare system. Knowing the scope of practice for a nurse practitioner versus a registered nurse, as well as the most common work environments, can help you decide which nursing position is ideal for you.
Understanding the Roles: Nurse Practitioner vs. Registered Nurse
Nurse practitioners and registered nurses are both essential in today’s complex healthcare system. Both types of nurses work to provide patients with safe, effective, and personalized care, build relationships with patients and caregivers, and actively work to improve patient outcomes.
However, there are distinct differences between nurse practitioners and registered nurses to understand, particularly for those looking to enter the nursing profession.
According to WebMD a registered nurse is a healthcare provider who delivers personalized, attentive care to patients in a variety of clinical settings. A registered nurse is a licensed professional who may choose to specialize in particular areas of healthcare, depending upon their skills and goals.
According to the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP), a nurse practitioner is an advanced practice registered nurse who is able to provide patients with comprehensive healthcare services. Nurse practitioners may build upon their knowledge as registered nurses and provide patients with a diagnosis as well as a treatment plan.
Overview of Registered Nurse (RN) Responsibilities
Registered nurses are primarily responsible for providing patients with bedside care, and they often work in clinical settings, including hospitals and physicians’ offices. According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the typical job responsibilities of a registered nurse include:
- Evaluating and assessing patients’ conditions in order to prioritize care.
- Recording symptoms and updating patients’ medical records.
- Observing patients and collaborating with the healthcare team regarding the next best steps for patient care.
- Administering medication that is prescribed by a physician or a nurse practitioner.
- Performing diagnostic tests and providing explanations about the results.
- Educating patients and their caregivers about the best home care practices based on their conditions.
- Following up with patients to see how they are feeling and to find out if they require any additional support.
The scope of practice for an RN may vary substantially based on their specialty or place of employment. There are numerous opportunities to specialize as a registered nurse that enable them to carve out a career path that aligns with their strengths, skills, and professional interests.
Overview of Nurse Practitioner (NP) Responsibilities
Nurse practitioners are considered to be healthcare leaders who provide a wide range of services for their patients. The job responsibilities of a nurse practitioner include:
- Assessing and evaluating patients to determine the root cause of their symptoms.
- Ordering diagnostic tests and lab work to assist with a diagnosis.
- Prescribing medications for patients and creating evidence-based, patient-centered treatment plans.
- Educating patients about lifestyle choices they could make to prevent disease or chronic illness.
Nurse practitioners are more than just providers — they are also educators and advocates. Through their work, they are able to develop lasting relationships with their patients and, in turn, emphasize the importance of preventative healthcare over the course of their patients’ lifetimes.
Educational Pathways for Nurse Practitioners vs. RNs
Depending on whether you intend to work as a registered nurse or a nurse practitioner, there are different educational pathways to consider. Fortunately, within the nursing profession, the educational pathways for these positions typically build upon an existing foundation, allowing you to continue pursuing advancement opportunities throughout your career as a nurse.
Academic Requirements for Becoming a Registered Nurse
According to the American Nurses Association (ANA), the academic requirements for becoming a registered nurse are:
- Diploma of Nursing – This diploma program is available through some hospital systems. It is a skills-based program that equips students with the basic clinical skills and knowledge needed to enter the nursing profession. It was once the most popular educational qualification for nurses, but today, most aspiring nurses prefer to earn an undergraduate degree.
- Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) – This two-year undergraduate program provides nursing students with the clinical skills and expertise necessary to secure a license as a registered nurse and seek entry-level positions in the field. It is typically available at community colleges.
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) – This four-year undergraduate degree program prepares nursing students with the advanced knowledge and skills needed to explore the full scope of practice as an RN. In addition to equipping students with the clinical skills and knowledge required to enter the profession, it also fosters a deeper understanding of the cultural and societal issues that impact the field of nursing today. It is available at four-year colleges and universities.
Many colleges and universities also offer an innovative RN to BSN online degree that allows nurses to build upon their existing educational experience and streamline the path toward earning a BSN degree.
It is important to note that the requirements for registered nurse licensure vary by state and include other factors besides education, including examination.
Advanced Education for Nurse Practitioners
An aspiring nurse practitioner has to invest further in their education to become licensed as an advanced practice registered nurse. The AANP notes the following academic requirements for nurse practitioners:
- Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) – The MSN degree is the minimum educational qualification required to work as a nurse practitioner. Throughout this degree program, nursing students receive advanced clinical training to develop the niche skills required for this nursing position. Additionally, they complete relevant coursework that helps them better understand the scope of their role as a nurse practitioner.
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) – Considered to be the highest educational qualification for nurse practitioners, the DNP degree program prioritizes evidence-based care and strategies to improve patient outcomes, all while developing leadership skills in the nursing students enrolled in the program.
- Post-Master’s Certificates – These certificates offer advanced practice nurses an opportunity to specialize in new areas or refine their expertise within a specific field. For instance, an MSN-prepared nurse may pursue a certificate in a different nurse practitioner specialty, such as family practice, pediatrics, or psychiatric-mental health.
It is important to note that licensure requirements for advanced practice registered nurses vary by state. Beyond education, they may include passing certification exams, meeting clinical hour requirements, and obtaining relevant work experience.
Scope of Practice and Autonomy for Registered Nurses vs. Nurse Practitioners
To determine which nursing position best aligns with your personal preferences and career goals, it is crucial to consider the scope of practice for both registered nurses and nurse practitioners. By understanding the scope of practice and level of autonomy for these positions, you may decide the next best step for your nursing career.
The Practice Scope of Registered Nurses
The scope of practice for registered nurses can be quite broad, with the actual scope varying significantly based on the specialty area or place of employment. The scope of practice for most registered nurses involves assessing and caring for patients in a clinical setting. Registered nurses are often responsible for collaborating with other healthcare providers involved in the care team, and they must prioritize evidence-based, patient-centered care at all times.
Expanded Scope for Nurse Practitioners
The scope of practice for nurse practitioners extends beyond the scope of practice for registered nurses. In many cases, nurse practitioners will continue to provide patients with bedside care and remain a valued part of the healthcare team. However, as advanced practice registered nurses, nurse practitioners are able to provide patients with advanced levels of care. Nurse practitioners not only assess and evaluate patients, but they may also diagnose and treat them. Generally, nurse practitioners have a higher level of autonomy than registered nurses, but they are still required to collaborate effectively as part of the healthcare team.
Licensing, Certifications, and Legalities
Both registered nurses and nurse practitioners must be licensed and certified in the state where they are practicing. However, the licensing and certification requirements may vary based on the nursing position and the state.
Licensing Requirements for RNs
According to the ANA, every state has a board of nursing that determines the licensing requirements for that individual state. Those who want to practice as a registered nurse should verify the licensing requirements in the state in which they wish to work — but for the most part, states require nurses to:
- Complete an accredited nursing degree program.
- Pass the NCLEX-RN examination.
- Obtain a nursing license and complete continuing education programs to maintain that license in the years to come.
Certification and Licensing for NPs
Aside from being a licensed registered nurse, nurse practitioners have additional certification credentials that are required to practice. All states have individual requirements for licensure and certification, but generally speaking, nurse practitioners would need to:
- Obtain and maintain their license as an RN.
- Complete an accredited advanced practice registered nursing degree program.
- Obtain an advanced practice registered nurse certification, which may involve completing additional clinical experience in a chosen specialty area.
Employment Sectors and Settings
Registered nurses and nurse practitioners are both a valued part of the healthcare industry, with most nurses working in clinical settings like hospitals or physicians’ offices. Consider the following employment differences as you determine which professional path is right for you.
Where Registered Nurses Work
According to the BLS, registered nurses work primarily in clinical settings, with nearly 58% of all registered nurses employed by hospitals. However, registered nurses also may find employment at physicians’ offices, long-term care facilities, and schools. In addition, there are increasing opportunities in telehealth nursing, which may allow some nurses to work remotely rather than in clinical settings. For the most part, registered nurses have the opportunity to specialize their skill set in order to focus on a work environment that best suits their needs.
Employment Opportunities for Nurse Practitioners
Given that nurse practitioners work closely with their patients to provide them with comprehensive healthcare services, it is not surprising that most nurse practitioners work in clinical settings. Rather than working primarily in hospitals, however, the BLS notes that nearly 49% of nurse practitioners work in physicians’ offices. Another 25% of nurse practitioners work in hospital settings, allowing them to provide advanced care to the patients being treated at the hospital. Similar to registered nurses, nurse practitioners may find that their employment opportunities vary based on the specialty they choose for their nursing career.
Explore Nursing at Post University
At Post University, we offer a range of nursing programs, including an RN to BSN online degree program and a Master of Science in Nursing. These programs focus on developing the clinical, leadership, and practical skills needed for diverse nursing roles. Whether you are aiming to advance in your current nursing career or explore new opportunities in the field, our programs are designed to support your professional growth. Learn more about our nursing degree programs and how they might align with your career goals.
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