What's the difference?

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What are the differences between a NP and RN work setting?Are there things that you used to do as a Rn, but do not as a NP or vice versa?

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Specializes in ACNP-BC.
What are the differences between a NP and RN work setting?Are there things that you used to do as a Rn, but do not as a NP or vice versa?

NPs are still nurses, but they are advanced practice nurses. NPs can follow/use both the nursing and medical models of practice. NPs typically will do a history and physical exam on pts, may order diagnostic tests and lab work, interpret/help interpret the results, diagnose disorders, order treatments, and monitor/follow up with pts. periodically. RNs assess pts' conditions, take vital signs, administer meds and IV fluids and other treatments such as dressing changes, administering TPN, blood transfusions, etc. and RNs also monitor patients' response to treatments. If anything is abnormal, RNs will report that to the MD/NP/PA. Hope that helps. So NPs don't usually administer meds and treatments-that is primarily the RN's dept. And NPs can order tests, diagnose, prescribe meds. RNs cannot do those.

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What are the differences between a NP and RN work setting?Are there things that you used to do as a Rn, but do not as a NP or vice versa?

The difference is that I practice independently (in my state) as a primary care provider diagnosing and prescribing as necessary.

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