What Does a Nurse Practitioner Do?
A nurse practitioner (NP) is an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) who provides high-level, patient-centered care across a wide range of healthcare settings. NPs are qualified to perform physical exams, diagnose illnesses, develop treatment plans, order and interpret diagnostic tests, prescribe medications, and educate patients about disease prevention and health management. Their role blends clinical expertise with a focus on holistic, long-term patient care.
Depending on the state and facility, nurse practitioners may practice independently or collaboratively with physicians and other healthcare providers. They serve critical functions in primary care, urgent care, specialty clinics, hospitals, and community health organizations. NPs often manage their own caseloads and play a key role in improving access to care, especially in underserved areas.
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Nurse Practitioner Core Responsibilities
- Conduct comprehensive health assessments and physical exams
- Diagnose acute and chronic illnesses and develop treatment plans
- Order and interpret laboratory tests, imaging, and diagnostic procedures
- Prescribe medications and manage treatment regimens
- Provide patient education on wellness, prevention, and chronic disease management
- Collaborate with physicians and interdisciplinary teams as needed
- Maintain accurate medical records and comply with regulatory standards
- Serve as a clinical resource and mentor to nursing staff
Required Skills and Qualifications
Hard skills
- Clinical expertise in assessment, diagnostics, and pharmacology
- Proficiency in electronic health records (EHR) and chart documentation
- Knowledge of clinical guidelines and scope-of-practice regulations
- Ability to perform common medical procedures based on specialty
Soft skills
- Excellent communication and patient counseling skills
- Clinical judgment and decision-making under pressure
- Compassionate, patient-focused care delivery
- Strong organizational and time-management abilities
Education
- Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) required
- Undergraduate nursing degree and active RN license are prerequisites
Certifications
- Board certification from a recognized body such as AANP or ANCC (required)
- State licensure as a nurse practitioner (required)
- DEA registration may be required for prescribing controlled substances
Required Skills and Qualifications
Hard skills
- Clinical expertise in assessment, diagnostics, and pharmacology
- Proficiency in electronic health records (EHR) and chart documentation
- Knowledge of clinical guidelines and scope-of-practice regulations
- Ability to perform common medical procedures based on specialty
Soft skills
- Excellent communication and patient counseling skills
- Clinical judgment and decision-making under pressure
- Compassionate, patient-focused care delivery
- Strong organizational and time-management abilities
Education
- Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) required
- Undergraduate nursing degree and active RN license are prerequisites
Certifications
- Board certification from a recognized body such as AANP or ANCC (required)
- State licensure as a nurse practitioner (required)
- DEA registration may be required for prescribing controlled substances
National Average Salary
NP salaries vary by experience, industry, organization size, and geography. Click below to explore salaries by local market.
The average national salary for a Nurse Practitioner (NP) is:
$121,230
Sample Job Description Templates for Nurse Practitioners
Entry-Level NP (New Grad or Post-Certification)
Position Overview
We are seeking a compassionate and motivated Entry-Level Nurse Practitioner to join our clinical team. This role is ideal for recent NP graduates or newly certified practitioners looking to begin their careers in patient-centered care. You’ll work under the guidance of experienced providers while building confidence and clinical autonomy across a broad range of assessments, diagnoses, and treatments.
Responsibilities
- Conduct patient exams and health histories under supervision
- Assist in diagnosing and managing acute and chronic conditions
- Order and interpret basic diagnostic tests
- Develop care plans with oversight from supervising physicians or senior NPs
- Educate patients on wellness, medications, and follow-up care
- Document encounters in the EHR system in compliance with regulatory standards
- Participate in onboarding, training, and continuing education
Requirements
Hard skills
- Knowledge of advanced nursing practices, pathophysiology, and pharmacology
- Basic proficiency with electronic health record systems
- Understanding of scope of practice and state regulations
Soft skills
- Eagerness to learn and accept feedback
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Compassionate, detail-oriented, and team-focused
Education
- Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
Certifications
- National board certification (e.g., AANP, ANCC) required
- Active state NP license required
- DEA registration (if applicable by role)
Preferred Qualifications
- Clinical rotation or residency experience in a relevant setting
- Bilingual abilities or cultural competency training
Mid-Level NP (2-5 Years’ Experience)
Position Overview
We are hiring a skilled and independent Mid-Level Nurse Practitioner to provide comprehensive care to a diverse patient population. With 2–5 years of experience, you will function with a high degree of autonomy while collaborating with interdisciplinary teams to deliver evidence-based, personalized care.
Responsibilities
- Diagnose and treat acute and chronic illnesses across assigned patient panels
- Prescribe medications, therapies, and treatments within NP scope
- Order and interpret lab results, imaging studies, and other diagnostics
- Provide patient education, counseling, and preventive health services
- Collaborate with physicians, nurses, and ancillary staff on care plans
- Participate in quality improvement and care coordination efforts
Requirements
Hard skills
- Clinical proficiency in patient evaluation, diagnostics, and prescribing
- Working knowledge of clinical documentation standards
- Familiarity with population health and preventive care models
Soft skills
- Independent decision-making and time management
- Clear and empathetic communication with patients and families
- Adaptability in fast-paced or multi-provider environments
Education
- MSN or DNP required
Certifications
- National board certification required (AANP, ANCC, or specialty board)
- Active NP licensure and DEA registration
Preferred Qualifications
- 2–5 years’ experience as a practicing nurse practitioner
- Prior use of EHR systems (e.g., Epic, Cerner, Athena)
- Experience in your specialty area or patient demographic
Senior NP (Team Lead or Specialty Focus)
Position Overview
We are looking for a Senior Nurse Practitioner to serve as a clinical leader and subject matter expert in your designated specialty. In this role, you will manage complex patient cases, precept newer providers, and contribute to protocol development while continuing to provide high-quality direct care.
Responsibilities
- Provide advanced diagnostic and therapeutic services to high-acuity patients
- Serve as lead NP for a specialty clinic, hospital unit, or care team
- Mentor entry- and mid-level NPs, including case reviews and onboarding
- Collaborate on clinical guideline development and policy review
- Participate in interdisciplinary rounds and specialty consults
- Monitor patient outcomes and support quality initiatives
Requirements
Hard skills
- Advanced clinical expertise in a specialty or subspecialty area
- Ability to manage complex, comorbid cases with minimal supervision
- Skilled in procedure-based care (as applicable to specialty)
Soft skills
- Leadership, mentoring, and precepting ability
- Excellent problem-solving and communication
- Commitment to professional development and evidence-based care
Education
- MSN or DNP required
Certifications
- Specialty NP board certification required
- State license and DEA registration required
Preferred Qualifications
- 5+ years of experience in advanced practice nursing
- Specialty certifications or procedural training
- Experience serving as preceptor, charge NP, or informal team lead
Lead NP
Position Overview
We are seeking a Supervising or Lead Nurse Practitioner to manage day-to-day operations of a team of NPs, ensure clinical standards are met, and support staffing, scheduling, and training needs. This role combines leadership responsibilities with ongoing patient care duties.
Responsibilities
- Supervise and support nurse practitioners in their clinical roles
- Review and co-sign documentation as required by regulation or policy
- Coordinate scheduling, shift coverage, and performance evaluations
- Facilitate case discussions, peer reviews, and provider meetings
- Provide direct care, manage complex cases, and maintain a patient panel
- Monitor regulatory compliance and collaborate with medical leadership
Requirements
Hard skills
- Expertise in clinical care delivery and team-based coordination
- Familiarity with operational tools such as scheduling and credentialing platforms
- Understanding of NP scope of practice and supervisory requirements
Soft skills
- Effective leadership, coaching, and performance management
- Strong interpersonal and organizational skills
- Conflict resolution and decision-making under pressure
Education
- MSN or DNP required
Certifications
- NP board certification and active state licensure required
- DEA registration required
- Leadership training or credentials (e.g., nurse leadership certificate) recommended
Preferred Qualifications
- 5+ years of NP experience, including prior leadership or supervisory responsibilities
- Experience managing multi-provider teams or interdisciplinary collaboration
Clinical Director – Advanced Practice Providers
Position Overview
We are hiring a Clinical Director to lead the strategic development and clinical oversight of our Advanced Practice Provider (APP) team. In this executive-level role, you will set performance standards, oversee staffing and growth, and represent the NP/PA workforce in organizational planning.
Responsibilities
- Lead recruitment, onboarding, and professional development for NPs and PAs
- Establish quality metrics, documentation standards, and clinical pathways
- Partner with physician leadership to optimize care delivery models
- Monitor credentialing, compliance, and continuing education requirements
- Guide APP workforce planning, scheduling, and expansion initiatives
- Serve as clinical mentor and liaison between frontline staff and administration
Requirements
Hard skills
- Deep knowledge of APP practice, licensure, and regulatory frameworks
- Proficiency in clinical performance analytics and workforce management
- Leadership in change management and clinical improvement programs
Soft skills
- Strategic vision with team-building and communication strengths
- Ability to influence across departments and disciplines
- Advocacy for scope-of-practice optimization and provider well-being
Education
- MSN or DNP required; master’s in healthcare administration is recommended
Certifications
- NP board certification and active state licensure required
- Executive or leadership credentials recommended
Preferred Qualifications
- 8+ years of advanced practice experience
- 3+ years in a clinical leadership or director-level position
- Experience overseeing multi-site or multi-specialty APP teams