A Master’s in Nursing Practice (MNP) is a graduate degree that prepares nurses for advanced practice roles. MNPs typically have clinical experience and coursework in specialized areas of nursing, such as primary care, women’s health or geriatrics.
They may also have expertise in a particular area of interest, such as informatics or education.
MNPs are prepared to provide direct patient care and often serve as primary care providers. They may also work as nurse practitioners, providing both preventive and patient care services. In some states, they may also prescribe medications. Other MNP roles include working as a clinical nurse specialist, certified registered nurse anesthetist or certified nurse-midwife.
MNPs typically have a stronger focus on evidence-based practice than traditional master’s degrees in nursing. A graduate of a nurse practitioner program may also work in research, education or administration. Some MNPs may pursue a doctoral degree and become nurse practitioners with a specialization in an area such as public health or gerontology.
Studying for a post-master’s DNP with the University of Indianapolis is the perfect gateway to all of the nursing careers listed below. This university has a fine reputation and a program that is second to none.
What are the career options for individuals with a Master’s in Nursing Practice?
Let’s take a look at some of the different career options that are available to individuals who have a nursing practice degree in a little more detail.
Geriatric nurse practitioner
A career as a geriatric nurse practitioner may be a good fit for people who want to work with older adults. Geriatric nurse practitioners provide primary care to older adults, including preventive care, screenings and management of chronic conditions. They also help patients navigate the health care system and connect them with resources they need.
Geriatric nurse practitioners must have a Master’s degree in Nursing Practice and be licensed as a registered nurse. Many states also require geriatric nurse practitioners to have certification from the American Nurses Credentialing Center or another certifying body.
Neonatal nurse practitioner
A neonatal nurse practitioner (NNP) is a registered nurse who has completed advanced education and training in the care of newborn infants. NNPs work in hospitals, clinics and private practices caring for premature, sick and healthy newborns. They may also provide care for the infant’s family.
NNPs must have at least a master’s degree in nursing and be certified by the National Certification Corporation for the Obstetric, Gynecologic and Neonatal Nursing Specialties. Some states require NNPs to have a doctoral degree.
NNPs provide comprehensive care for newborns, including assessment, diagnosis and treatment of common neonatal conditions. They also provide guidance and support to families during this vulnerable time. In addition to clinical care, NNPs may also be involved in research, education and administration.
Psychiatric nurse practitioner
Psychiatric nurse practitioners (PNPs) provide care to patients with mental illness and emotional disorders. PNPs work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics and private practices. They may also work in schools, prisons or government agencies.
Most PNPs have a Master’s degree in Nursing Practice (MSN). In addition to completing coursework in psychiatric nursing, they must also complete a clinical rotation. Psychiatric nurse practitioners must be licensed by the state in which they practice.
Psychiatric nurse practitioners play an important role in the mental health care system. They provide assessment, diagnosis and treatment of mental illness. They also provide support and education to patients and their families.
Family nurse practitioner
A family nurse practitioner (FNP) is a registered nurse who has completed graduate-level coursework and training in primary care. FNPs provide comprehensive care to patients of all ages, from infants to the elderly. They diagnose and treat a wide range of health conditions, order and interpret diagnostic tests and prescribe medications.
FNPs typically work in primary care settings such as doctor’s offices, clinics and community health centers. They may also work in hospitals, nursing homes and other specialty care facilities. With their advanced training and skills, FNPs are able to provide a higher level of care than that of a traditional registered nurse.
If you are interested in a career as an FNP, you will need to complete a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program with a specialty track in family nursing practice.
Nurse anesthetist
A certified nurse anesthetist is a specialized nurse who works closely with anesthesiologists to administer anesthesia to patients. As a critical part of the medical team, nurse anesthetists play a vital role in ensuring patient safety and comfort during surgery.
To become a nurse anesthetist, one must first earn a bachelor’s degree in nursing and obtain a registered nurse (RN) license. After working as an RN for at least two years, nurses can then apply to graduate-level programs to earn their Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with a specialization in Nurse Anesthesia.
