Nurse Midwives, Nurse Anesthetists, and Nurse Practitioners: What’s the Difference?

Nurse Midwives, Nurse Anesthetists, and Nurse Practitioners: What’s the Difference?

This page explains the distinctions among nurse midwives, nurse practitioners, and nurse anesthetists. It covers details such as salaries, job responsibilities, career insights, and education and licensing prerequisites.

Nurses with advanced nursing degrees and active RN licenses can seek national certification as nurse practitioners (NPs), nurse anesthetists, or nurse midwives. These professionals, known as advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs), diagnose patients, conduct physical exams, interpret lab tests, and provide guidance to patients and families. All APRNs must possess at least a master of science in nursing (MSN) degree. Master’s-level nursing students often have the option to specialize in an area of advanced nursing practice that appeals to them. APRNs coordinate patient care and offer both specialty and primary care. However, their specific roles differ based on the state and workplace. Although nurse midwives, nurse anesthetists, and nurse practitioners fall under the category of APRNs, their responsibilities and the patient groups they care for differ significantly.

Table of Contents

• What is a Nurse Practitioner?
• Nurse Practitioner Jobs
• Nurse Practitioner Salary
• How to Become a Nurse Practitioner
• Spotlight: Ask a Nurse Practitioner
• Nurse Practitioner FAQs

 

• What is a Nurse Midwife?
• Nurse Midwife Salary
• How to Become a Nurse Midwife
• Spotlight: Ask a Nurse Midwife
• Nurse Midwife FAQs

 

• What is a Nurse Anesthetist?
• Nurse Anesthetist Salary
• How to Become a Nurse Anesthetist
• Nurse Anesthetist FAQs

How Can I Get Ready for My Nurse Practitioner Certification Exam?

What is a Nurse Practitioner?

Nurse practitioners take a comprehensive approach to healthcare, utilizing their clinical expertise to diagnose and treat various health conditions and injuries. These professionals focus significantly on disease prevention and health management. NPs not only serve as healthcare providers but also fulfill roles as educators, researchers, mentors, and administrators. They can reduce healthcare costs for patients while delivering top-quality healthcare and patient guidance. NPs assist patients and their families in devising effective healthcare plans to maintain ongoing health and well-being.

Nurse Practitioner Job Duties

NPs are responsible for delivering both specialized and primary care to patients. They evaluate patients and devise care plans to improve or manage medical conditions, injuries, and illnesses. NPs often specialize in specific patient populations, such as pediatrics or gerontology. An NP’s particular responsibilities and tasks may vary depending on the state of practice, the patient group they serve, and the healthcare environment. Those interested in learning more about nurse practitioner duties can explore our NP career page.

Nurse Practitioner Jobs

Nurse practitioner roles tend to focus on diverse patient populations. The specific responsibilities, roles, and scope of practice of NPs depend on their specialized area. Common specialties include mental health, pediatrics, gerontology, and family care. Nurses often begin exploring their specialization while pursuing their MSN degree, equipping themselves with the skills and knowledge needed for success after graduation.

Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner

These NPs assess the mental health needs of individuals, families, groups, and communities. They develop and implement effective healthcare plans and treatments.

Neonatal Nurse Practitioner

NPs in this specialty provide care for newborn infants, often in neonatal intensive care units. They manage complex health issues in newborns.

Family Nurse Practitioner

Family nurse practitioners offer primary healthcare services across various life stages. They prioritize preventive care to help patients maintain their health and well-being.

Pediatric Nurse Practitioner

Pediatric NPs care for children from birth to age 21. They work in different settings, including physician’s offices and healthcare clinics.

Nurse Practitioner Salary

Nurse practitioner salaries depend on factors such as location, educational level, and professional experience. Earnings also vary based on the nurse’s specialty and workplace. Nationally, the median annual salary for NPs is $110,030. NPs in the bottom tenth percentile earn around $78,300 annually, while those in the 90th percentile have an average salary of about $150,320 per year.

Top-Paying States for Nurse Practitioners

New York: $120,970
California: $133,780
Florida: $111,060
Texas: $101,100
Ohio: $101,970

Source: BLS.gov, 2018

How to Become a Nurse Practitioner

Individuals aspiring to become nurse practitioners should carefully consider the educational requirements for the job. Prospective NPs should start by obtaining a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) degree, which typically takes about four years of full-time study. After obtaining a BSN, graduates can take the NCLEX-RN exam to acquire an RN license. Once candidates have a BSN and an active RN license, they can enroll in an MSN program. Many traditional and online nurse practitioner programs offer specializations, allowing candidates to kick-start their NP careers. Some specialized academic tracks focus on specific patient populations or nursing subfields, such as family care, neonatology, adult-gerontology, and women’s health. After earning an MSN, graduates can choose to further their education by pursuing a doctor of nursing practice (DNP) degree. Following the completion of a graduate nursing degree and holding a valid RN license, NP candidates can take and pass their national certification exam to become certified NPs.

Transitioning from Graduation to Clinical Practice

Nurse Practitioner FAQs

Which Nurse Practitioner Specialty is in Highest Demand?
There are many job opportunities for Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs), like nurse practitioners, nurse anesthetists, and nurse midwives. Every year, there are around 16,900 job openings for nurse practitioners, 3,200 for nurse anesthetists, and 500 for nurse midwives.

Can Nurse Practitioners Prescribe Medication?
Whether nurse practitioners can prescribe medication depends on the laws of their state. In some states, they can prescribe medication on their own, while in others, they might need an agreement with a doctor or supervision from a physician.

What’s the Difference Between Nurse Practitioners and Doctors?
Nurse practitioners and doctors have different education paths. Nurse practitioners go to nursing school for their degrees, while doctors go to medical school and complete residency requirements.

The Best Online Nurse Practitioner Programs

What is a Nurse Midwife?
Certified nurse midwives (CNMs) provide various healthcare services to women from adolescence to beyond menopause. They offer family planning, gynecological care, prenatal counseling, childbirth assistance, and postpartum care. CNMs have nursing and midwifery knowledge, holding graduate-level nursing degrees and specialized certifications. They often work in hospitals or offices during regular hours, but also on-call, nights, weekends, and holidays.

Nurse Midwife Job Duties
CNMs are primary care providers for women, handling maternity care and general health. They assist with family planning, prenatal care, gynecological exams, and childbirth. CNMs are skilled in managing labor and delivery emergencies, including cesarean births. They educate patients about health and disease prevention.

Nurse Midwife Salary
The salary of nurse midwives depends on their education and work setting. The median annual salary is around $103,770. The lowest 10% earn about $70,100, while the highest 10% make $151,070.

Top-Paying States for Nurse Midwives

California: $154,500
Minnesota: $121,980
New York: $120,380
Mississippi: $119,640
Maryland: $118,240

Source: BLS.gov, 2018

How to Become a Nurse Midwife
To become a certified nurse midwife (CNM), you need to meet educational requirements. CNMs are APRNs and must have an MSN or higher degree. First, you need a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. After that, pass the NCLEX-RN exam to become a registered nurse (RN). Then, enroll in an MSN program, possibly with a focus on nurse midwifery. You can also go for a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) if you want. To get certified, pass the certification exam by the American Midwifery Certification Board. You’ll need proof of RN or NP licensure and transcripts from an accredited graduate program in midwifery education.

Nurse Midwife FAQs

Can Nurse Midwives Prescribe Medication?
Whether Certified Nurse Midwives (CNMs) can prescribe medication depends on the rules of the state they work in. Each state has its own requirements and guidelines for prescribing medicine for Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) like CNMs.

Can Nurse Midwives Practice Independently?
Different states have different rules for CNM practice. Some states allow nurse midwives to work independently, while others might need them to have a collaboration agreement with a physician or work under direct supervision.

What’s the Difference Between a Nurse Midwife and an OB/GYN?
Nurse midwives and OB/GYNs have different types of training. OB/GYNs go through medical school and a residency, while nurse midwives complete nursing programs. Nurse midwives usually focus more on family-centered care and educating patients, but they can’t provide all the medical services that doctors do.

The Best Online Nurse Midwife Programs

What is a Nurse Anesthetist?
Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) are APRNs who give patients anesthesia for all kinds of medical procedures and surgeries. They usually work in hospitals or outpatient care centers and often have full-time schedules that include nights, weekends, and holidays. CRNAs play a vital role during surgeries, ensuring patients are comfortable and safe. They provide general anesthesia and numb specific body areas using local or regional anesthesia.

Nurse Anesthetist Job Duties
CRNAs provide anesthesia and care to patients before, during, and after surgeries, diagnostics, therapies, and obstetric procedures. They also handle emergencies and pain management. Before a procedure, CRNAs talk to patients about allergies, illnesses, and medications that could affect anesthesia. They watch patients’ vital signs during procedures, adjust anesthesia as needed, and ensure patients are comfortable after surgery.

Nurse Anesthetist Salary
Nurse anesthetists earn a median annual wage of $167,950, which is the highest in the field. CRNAs in the lowest 10% earn around $116,820 per year, while those in the highest 10% make about $208,000 per year.

Top-Paying States for Nurse Anesthetists

Wyoming: $243,310
Montana: $239,380
Oregon: $234,750
Wisconsin: $233,600
California: $227,290

Source: BLS.gov, 2018

How to Become a Nurse Anesthetist
CRNAs need specific education and certification. First, get a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. Pass the NCLEX-RN exam to become a Registered Nurse (RN) and then enroll in an MSN program. After that, work in an intensive care unit for a year before entering an accredited nurse anesthesiology DNP program. You can study online and do local clinical requirements. Once you meet the education criteria, you can apply for the national nurse anesthesiology certification. To get certified, pass the exam by the National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists.

Nurse Anesthetist FAQs

Can Nurse Anesthetists Prescribe Medication?
The ability of Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) to prescribe medication varies by state. However, all states allow CRNAs to select, request, and administer controlled substances and prescribed drugs following proper guidelines.

Do Nurse Anesthetists Have Flexible Schedules?
CRNAs usually work in hospitals and medical facilities during regular business hours. They may also work on weekends, holidays, nights, and be on call.

Are Nurse Anesthetists in Demand?
The demand for nurse anesthetists is expected to increase by 26% from 2018 to 2028. This growth rate is much higher than the average growth rate for all types of jobs combined.