What is the difference between a nurse practitioner and nurse with a masters degree?

An NP and MSN both have gone back to school to get advanced nursing degrees.

Like the other poster stated, a NP usually deals more with the "clinical" aspects of nursing. They assess, diagnose and manage common acute and chronic health problems. There are many different specializations.

A MSN simply means Masters degree in Nursing. There are many specializations for the MSN as well; leadership & management, informatices, forensics, clinical management, or you can get a dual MSN/MBA type degree.

Either way you have to start out as a registered nurse. After working for a few years, you will probably be able to decide what your "calling" is. Some people want more autonomy in the clinical setting, some people want to go into management, some people want to teach. It's all up to you!

Nurse Practioners are licensed in limited areas (Not all states or countries allow them) after about 5 years of practical work experience after getting an MSN

They work under a Medical Doctor and do whatever they know how to do consulting with the doctor on a periodioc basisc. They can prescribe (in some areas it is called recomend) medications and do treatment plans.

They can do, within limitations, the work of a doctor but they must work in tandem with a licensed Medical Doctor and consult with that Doctor on patients, medical plans, medications and treatments.

Regular Nurses, even MSN's can only do what the doctor has ordered to be done. They can't think for themselves or modified programs independently.

If an NP feels a medication or treatment program is wrong they can make modifications and change medications WITHOUT consulting IN ADVANCE, but they do have to consult down the line and get concurrence from the attending Physician.

They can be equated to as Psychiatric Social Worker with a Masters Degree who does not hold a private practise license but still works under supervision.

They can amend or modify treatments but they consult with licensed Psychologists and Phychiatrists before or after the fact.

Unlike MCSWs NPs can't do solo practices once they are licensened. NPs must work in tandem with Licensed Physicians.

An NP can hold a somewhat "private practise" and can even treat people in a given area BUT they MUST consult with licensed Physicians on EACH case on a "regular" basis.

That can be as simple as a phone call once a week or every two weeks.

If an NP feels a patient has an adverse reaction to Penncillin they can switch the patient to E-Mycin without consulting in advance. A MSN or BSN nurse CANNOT do that without express premission IN ADVANCE and IN WRITING.

The extent of an NPs scope of practise is regulated by local law.