Tag: NP jobs

The aging U.S. population is driving rapid growth in the healthcare sector, particularly in roles like home health and personal care aides. These positions, which typically require a high school diploma, are projected to see substantial increases in demand over the next decade. The shift towards in-home care has been accelerated by factors like the COVID-19 pandemic, which has made nursing homes less desirable for many. While nurse practitioner roles are also experiencing significant growth in most states, the highest job opportunities in healthcare in the coming years are expected to be in home health and personal care aide positions, particularly in states like California. This analysis, based on Bureau of Labor Statistics data, sheds light on the evolving landscape of healthcare employment in the U.S.

Healthcare Sector Added 56,000 New Jobs in April

In April, the healthcare sector added 56,000 new jobs, marking a 22% decrease from March but consistent with monthly averages over the past year. Despite the slowdown, healthcare accounted for nearly one-third of the 175,000 jobs created in the larger economy for April.

The healthcare industry has rebounded to pre-pandemic employment levels, with significant job growth observed particularly in ambulatory care services and hospitals. However, despite this growth, demand for healthcare services continues to outpace job creation. Challenges include the need to adapt to changing patient preferences, embrace technology, and address labor shortages. Job openings in healthcare and social assistance are at a high, indicating a persistent gap between demand and supply. Nursing and residential care facilities still face a hiring lag due to patients seeking alternative care options. Healthcare organizations may need to explore collaborations, technology integration, and operational efficiencies to meet increasing demand with limited resources.

Finding Your Dream Healthcare Job with Momentum

Find your perfect healthcare match with us! We’re currently working with amazing hospitals and private practices to fill a variety of openings in the areas of neonatal care, anesthesiology, dentistry, physical medicine and much more. Find all openings at momentumhcs.com/jobs.

Sources:

Thedesertreview.com
Healthleadersmedia.com
Advisory.com
openai.com

Estimates show that by 2050, the number of Americans over 85 will be about 19 million. Nursing homes will need more help than ever from skilled Nurse Practitioners who love their job.

What are Nurse Practitioners, and what are their roles in nursing home facilities? How do their jobs differ from that of registered nurses and physicians? What are the benefits of working in a nursing home versus a hospital or doctor’s office?

Who Are Nurse Practitioners?

Patients often go to Nurse Practitioners (NPs) for their health needs rather than physicians. Nurse Practitioners bring a personal touch to healthcare that some physicians can’t offer.

NPs begin their careers as registered nurses (RNs). They must go on to complete a master’s degree, and some get a doctoral degree as well. They must also complete advanced clinical training outside of their nursing preparation.

Similar to doctors, Nurse Practitioners can diagnose and treat medical conditions. They also work with patients to manage their health and prevent diseases.

Here are some things NPs can do:

•     Diagnostic testing
•     Diagnosing & treating both chronic & acute conditions
•     Prescribing medications
•     Prevention education
•     Counseling

What Can NPs Expect While Working in a Nursing Home?

Nurse Practitioners are involved in all aspects of a nursing home patient’s medical visit. They don’t just act as medical providers for the patient’s physical health; they also care for the patient’s psychiatric health.

NPs work with nursing home patients whenever they need regular checkups. They also see the patients when they get sick and can discharge them from the nursing home.

The goal of NPs in nursing homes is to help their patients recover and keep them out of hospitals.

These are some everyday tasks in nursing homes:

•     Reviewing past medical history
•     Ordering, approving, & performing testing
•     Prescribing medication
•     Performing follow-up appointments
•     Developing a care plan
•     Planning for advanced care as the patient’s condition changes
•     Discharging patients
•     Performing reviews to get patients more time in the nursing home
•     Reviewing & signing documents
•     Educating staff members

Nurse Practitioners are qualified to perform many of the tasks that doctors can. They help take the load off of doctors so they can focus on other tasks that NPs are not qualified for.

NPs often work after-hours or on-call when the doctor is not working. They will call the doctor for opinions and support when needed.

Steve, an APRN, says Nurse Practitioners in nursing homes don’t usually have strictly set hours. As long as the NP sees their required patients daily and weekly, the facility is unlikely to track their total hours worked.

Nursing home work is often more structured despite not having strict hours. NPs generally have a routine to follow every day that they wouldn’t have in a hospital setting.

Despite having structure, NPs rarely get bored working in nursing homes. Rebecca Lee, a registered nurse (RN), says, “Nursing homes are basically a generalized internal medicine unit.” Nurse Practitioners see all kinds of conditions, offering variety to their days.

NPs working in nursing homes form a better sense of community with their patients. They see and work with the residents and their families regularly. NPs build relationships with these people that they wouldn’t get in other settings.

Conclusion

Michael Mileski et al. says that having Nurse Practitioners in nursing homes reduces the rehospitalization of patients and increases their chances of recovery. NPs respond to their patients quickly, spend lots of time with them, and perform more comprehensive evaluations.

In other words, Nurse Practitioners are invaluable assets for nursing homes and their patients. Besides that, they are often great places to work, especially for NPs who enjoy building long-lasting relationships with their patients.

Looking for the Perfect NP Opportunity in a Nursing Home?

Do you wish to work as an NP in a nursing home or similar environment? At Momentum Healthcare staffing, we help find your perfect job match. We are constantly adding new positions to our job board, from Locum Tenens to permanent opportunities. Please contact us if you would like us to help match you!