One of the great things about the nursing profession is that there are a number of directions you can take your career. And, you can take these steps at any point. This gives seasoned and inexperienced RNs the motivation to constantly improve and advance professionally. If you're planning to further your education, due diligence is in order. In some states becoming a nurse practitioner may not mean the raise you're expecting. In other locations making the move from RN to NP pays off financially. How much more can you expect to earn by becoming a nurse practitioner in your state? 

As a nurse practitioner, training to provide more services and procedures gives your career a major boost. Not only do these abilities serve your patients well, they also make you a more marketable provider and provide value in the workplace. In my own nurse practitioner career, I have enjoyed furthering my clinical and procedural skills as this also keeps me relevant, challenged and up to date with the latest in evidence-based practice.