NPSchools.com Nursing Features

The nurse practitioner profession is growing at a rapid pace. And with growth comes change. Today’s nurse practitioners are dealing with staff shortages in rural areas, changes in educational standards, and battles for wider practice authority in select states. What will tomorrow’s nurse practitioners be concerned with? Our interview-based features and in-depth resource guides uncover the stories behind the big issues by talking to nurse practitioners who know the subject best.

What is the APRN Compact for Multistate Licensure? Challenges & Opportunities

April 14, 2026 – Kimmy Gustafson

The key benefits listed for the APRN compact include easier access to care, the ability to provide telehealth services, ease in providing disaster and pandemic relief, flexibility for military families, simpler online nursing education, and a lower cost since APRNs need to maintain only one license.

How to Write an Excellent NP School Personal Statement

April 9, 2026 – Rachel Drummond, MEd

So why are nurse practitioner admissions so competitive? A shortage of qualified nursing teaching faculty and an increasing number of retiring nurses are some possible reasons, according to CNN. One thing is sure: applicants for nursing practitioner programs must put together flawless applications to rank high with an admissions committee.

Nurse Practitioner (NP) vs. Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) vs. Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL)

April 7, 2026 – Kimmy Gustafson

There are many different types of nurses, each with its own specific focus and training. Three advanced roles include nurse practitioner (NP), clinical nurse specialist (CNS), and clinical nurse leader (CNL). All of these nurses have completed additional training beyond what is required to become registered nurses (RNs). However, the focus of this additional training can be quite different, and the duties and roles vary widely.

Day in the Life of an Aesthetic Nurse Practitioner (NP)

April 6, 2026 – Sophia Khawly, MSN

Aesthetic NPs work in outpatient settings such as medical spas or private practice clinics. They inject dermal fillers or Botox to improve the appearance of wrinkles and crow’s feet. They also perform laser therapy, such as tattoo removal and laser hair removal. Additionally, they provide skin treatments such as facials, microdermabrasion, and chemical peels.

Day in the Life of an Oncology Nurse Practitioner (NP)

April 3, 2026 – Matt Zbrog

An oncology nurse practitioner (NP) is a highly-trained, board-certified health professional who specializes in treating patients who have been diagnosed with cancer. They also consult with families, provide ongoing education, and work both independently and in close collaboration with other members of the care team. Oncology is a subspecialty that’s both highly complex and continually evolving: as our scientific understanding of cancer and its treatments changes, so does the way that oncology NPs interact with their patients.

How Has Access to Nursing Student Loans Changed in 2026?

March 30, 2026 – Sophia Khawly, MSN

The OBBBA and Department of Education changes make graduate nursing education less affordable. These barriers to advanced nursing education will result in scarcer qualified candidates pursuing advanced practice roles in anesthesia, leadership, nurse practitioner, and clinical nurse specialties. That means fewer advanced practice nurses, educators, and researchers entering the workforce.

A Comprehensive Guide to NP Subspecialties

March 26, 2026 – Matt Zbrog

The first NP programs were only established in 1965. Since then, however, the NP role has matured to incorporate several specialties and even more subspecialties, each with its own tailored training programs and niche certification processes.

Day in the Life of a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (NP)

March 25, 2026 – Matt Zbrog

Neonatal nurse practitioners (NNPs) provide care to high-risk infants. They primarily work in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) but have expanded into several other settings in recent years.

The Process to Become a Nurse Practitioner – What to Know

March 20, 2026 – Kimmy Gustafson

Today, nurse practitioners are licensed independent healthcare practitioners who provide high-quality medical care to all types of patients. They have completed additional education beyond an initial nursing program, holding either master’s of science in nursing (MSN) or a doctor of nursing practice (DNP) degree.

Student Loan Forgiveness Programs for Nurse Practitioners: What to Know

March 19, 2026 – Becca Brewer, MEd

With three out of every four NPs staring down a debt horizon, understanding student loan forgiveness may spell the difference between a career that feels like indentured servitude and one that feels like a career choice made freely.