Scope of Practice: Nurse Practitioner vs. Registered Nurse

A career in nursing provides professional growth, job security, competitive salaries, and the satisfaction of making a positive impact in the community. A report has projected a 6% increase in the employment rate of Registered Nurses (RNs) between 2023 and 2033. This shows the growing demand for nursing professionals in the future and also raises the question of choosing between nurse practitioner vs registered nurse. 

Many nursing students aim to become nurse practitioners (NPs), but first, they must qualify as registered nurses (RNs). Every NP starts as an RN. However, not all RNs go on to become NPs. Read on to learn the scope, duties, and educational requirements for nurse practitioners and registered nurses. 

Read More: Nurse Practitioner vs. Registered Nurse: Which Career Path Is Right for You?

Nurse Practitioner vs Registered Nurse: Key Differences

NPs and RNs both roles involve caring for patients, but their scopes of practice vary. RNs provide direct patient care under doctor supervision. However, NPs can work more independently. They can diagnose conditions and even suggest treatments. Some other key points about the difference between NP and RN are explained below:

Read More: What Are the Consequences of Not Completing Continuing Education Courses for Nurses?

1. Scope of Practice

RNs have a limited scope as they provide direct patient care but work under the supervision of doctors or more senior medical staff. NPs have a broader scope as they work more independently and have some abilities that are similar to physicians.

2. Level of Autonomy

RNs follow care plans set by doctors or NPs. They carry out orders and report changes in patient conditions. In contrast, NPs have more autonomy. In many states, they can see patients without direct physician supervision.

3. Decision-Making Authority

RNs cannot make independent decisions regarding patient care. Major medical decisions are made only by doctors. However, NPs can diagnose conditions and make treatment decisions. They can also prescribe medications in all 50 states (though the level of independence in prescribing varies by state).

4. Patient Relationships

RNs often have more frequent, hands-on interactions with patients, providing day-to-day care. NPs may have a role similar to a primary care provider, which includes seeing patients for regular check-ups and managing overall health.

5. Specialization

Both RNs and NPs can specialize in various medical fields. NPs often have more advanced specializations that help them treat specific patient populations or medical areas. To become specialists, they must maintain certain CEU credits with more clinical hours.

6. Legal Responsibilities

The legal scope of practice for RNs and NPs varies with each state's nursing board. Due to their advanced training and broader scope of practice, NPs have more legal responsibilities and are held to a higher standard of care.

Read More: Can A Nurse Practitioner Prescribe Medication?

Nurse Practitioner vs Registered Nurse Duties

Many confuse nurse practitioner vs RN duties as they seem very similar when it comes to patient care. However, their duties vary in terms of diagnosis, treatment, and the extent of medical care each of them can provide. The scope of their duties is listed below:

Nurse Practitioner Duties

NPs take on a more comprehensive role in patient management. They assess conditions, develop treatment plans, and implement interventions, such as:

• Patient Assessment: NPs conduct thorough evaluations to understand a patient’s health condition.

• Diagnosis: They can diagnose illnesses and conditions based on their assessments.

• Treatment Methods: NPs create treatment plans that may involve medicines and changes in lifestyle.

• Prescribing Medications: Many NPs have the authority to prescribe medications, which adds a significant responsibility to their role.

• Patient Education: NPs inform patients about their health conditions and the treatment options available.

• Collaboration: While they often work independently, NPs consult with physicians and other specialists when necessary.

Registered Nurse Duties

RNs participate in direct patient care, giving medications, monitoring symptoms, and collaborating with the healthcare team. RNs support patients through education while ensuring that nursing protocols are complied with. Their duties include:

• Monitoring Patients: They observe and oversee any changes in their patient’s condition.

• Documentation: RNs ensure that up-to-date records of patient health, treatments, and medical history are maintained.

• Support and Advocacy: They support patients emotionally and function as advocates for their needs.

• Communication: RNs communicate patient needs and updates to the healthcare team.

• Educational Support: They often help educate patients and families about health management and recovery processes.

• Basic Life Support: RNs are also skilled in providing basic life support during emergencies. 

Nurse Practioner vs Registered Nurse Salary Comparison

The difference in education and scope of practice between Nurse Practitioners and Registered Nurses directly affects their salaries. Their pay varies by location, experience, and speciality. But, NPs earn 30-50% more than RNs. This salary gap can be attributed to the advanced skills and responsibilities that NPs possess.

Registered Nurses often complete only graduation and license programs, while NPs study to attain post-graduation and doctorate degrees. The recent reports by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics give the following data on the NP vs RN salary comparison:

Read More: How to Become a Registered Nurse

Nurse Practioner vs Registered Nurse Education

The journey to becoming a registered nurse (RN) or Nurse Practitioner (NP) starts with obtaining a bachelor’s degree. To excel in this career, nursing professionals must become proficient in cutting-edge medical technology and healthcare best practices. Both roles require a strong educational background and training, but NPs need more schooling and contact hours. Differences in NP vs RN education are:

Read More: Key Differences Between Mandatory and Elective Continuing Education for Nurses

Nurse Practitioner Educational Requirements

Nursing students must fulfill the following educational and training programs to become a Nurse Practitioner (NP): 

• Bachelor's degree in nursing

• Registered Nurse license and experience

• Master's (MSN) or Doctoral degree in nursing 

• National certification exam

• State advanced practice license

Registered Nurse Educational Requirements

The students must complete the following degrees and licenses to become a Registered Nurse (RN):

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in nursing (BSN)

• Attempt and clear the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) after graduation

• State license

Read more: Nurse practitioner vs Doctor: Key differences covered

Nurse Practioner vs Registered Nurse Job Roles

NPs and RNs are both key components healthcare system, but their responsibilities and areas of expertise differ. This is reflected in their roles and job opportunities. Some of the key distinctions in the NP vs RN roles are listed below:

Nurse Practitioner Job Roles

Nurse Practitioners are considered advanced practice nurses who function as primary care providers. They work as leaders, directing nursing staff and developing healthcare policies. NPs work with physicians and can also practice independently in certain states. Their key areas of specialization may include pediatrics, gerontology, geriatrics, acute care, or women's health. Some common roles of NPs include:

• Primary care provider

• Specialist

• Consultant

• Educator

• Researcher

In many states, NPs can practice independently and do not require doctor supervision.

Registered Nurse Job Roles

Registered Nurses can work in diverse work environments. They work in hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, and community health organizations. Some common roles of RNs include:

• Staff Nurse

• Charge nurse

• Manager or supervisor

• Educator

• Clinician

Two Pillars of Patient Care!

NPs and RNs both are fulfilling job roles, but they differ in their scope of practice, duties, salary, roles, and education. While Registered Nurses offer direct patient care under supervision, Nurse Practitioners provide primary and specialized care, often working independently. 

Which ever path you choose in nurse practitioner vs registered nurse, you will help make a significant in your patient’s life and provide them with quality care. Continuing education is key for both nursing roles to stay updated with new treatments and technologies. 

References:

• https://www.aacnnursing.org/news-data/fact-sheets/nursing-workforce-fact-sheet

• https://www.nursingworld.org/content-hub/resources/nursing-resources/types-of-nurses-and-what-they-do/

• https://www.journalofnursingregulation.com/article/S2155-8256(24)00023-1/abstract

• https://nurse.org/education/rn-vs-np/

• https://www.quora.com/What-is-the-difference-between-a-nurse-and-a-nurse-practitioner-Why-do-some-nurses-choose-to-become-nurse-practitioners-instead-of-doctors

• https://www.nursingworld.org/content-hub/resources/becoming-a-nurse/how-to-go-from-rn-to-np/

• https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/nurse-practitioner-vs-rn

• https://www.regiscollege.edu/blog/nursing/registered-nurse-vs-nurse-practitioner-whats-difference

• https://onlinedegrees.bradley.edu/blog/nurse-practitioner-vs-registered-nurse

• https://www.healthstaffrecruitment.com.au/news/nurse-practitioner-vs-registered-nurse-whats-difference/