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.

Ask a Professor: The Fight for Expanded Practice Authority for Ohio’s NPs

February 13, 2026 – Matt Zbrog

As the Baby Boomers retire, the nation is experiencing a dire lack of primary care providers. Medical schools are not graduating enough primary care physicians to meet the needs of an aging population—and Ohio is not immune from the crisis.

Interview with Past NAPNAP President Dr. Jessica Peck

February 12, 2026 – Rachel Drummond, MEd

While widespread uncertainty has created unprecedented challenges for people, patients, and healthcare teams, Dr. Jessica Peck remains hopeful in the difference she and nursing colleagues are making through their clinical and advocacy work for children and other vulnerable groups.

Pros and Cons of Being a Psychiatric-Mental Health NP

February 10, 2026 – Sophia Khawly, MSN

Psych NPs require empathy, integrity, and a good understanding of medicine and healthcare. They can work in various settings such as hospitals, mental health centers, corrections, addiction centers, or private practice. There are many advantages and disadvantages of working as a psych NP.

Strides Toward NP Full Practice Authority in 2026: What States Are Left?

February 9, 2026 – Kimmy Gustafson

Nurse practitioners provide a wide range of preventive and therapeutic health services, including conducting physical exams, diagnosing and treating illnesses, ordering medical tests, prescribing medications, and providing patient education and counseling. They offer a high level of care that is both cost-effective and accessible.

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

February 6, 2026 – Matt Zbrog

Cardiac nurse practitioners (NPs) specialize in the treatment of the cardiovascular system. In collaboration with physicians, nurses, and other health professionals, they provide comprehensive care to patients with acute and chronic cardiac conditions.

NC-SARA and Online Nurse Practitioner Programs: What to Know

February 2, 2026 – Kimmy Gustafson

Standardizing education to ensure a minimum level of quality has been a huge problem as the number of institutions offering higher education increases. Over the past decade, institutions have been in the news for scamming students with programs that provide little value and saddle them with costly loans.

Ask a Professor: How Florida’s NPs Are Fighting for Full Practice Authority

January 28, 2026 – Matt Zbrog

Florida has over 24,000 nurse practitioners. These are highly trained healthcare providers who are adept at diagnosing illnesses, prescribing medicines, and treating diseases in both acute and primary care settings.

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

January 26, 2026 – Sophia Khawly, MSN

Working in locum tenens can prevent burn-out. The NP has control over their schedule and is able to avoid bureaucratic challenges at the workplace since they are only there for a limited period of time. It enables providers to have a better work-life balance.

PNP-AC (Acute Care) vs. PNP-PC (Primary Care)

January 23, 2026 – Kimmy Gustafson

This guide explains the similarities and differences between acute and primary care pediatric nurse practitioner specialties to help current and future nurse practitioners decide which path is right for them.

Acute Care AG-ACNP vs. Primary Care AG-PCNP

January 22, 2026 – Rachel Drummond, MEd

There are two adult gerontology specializations: acute care and primary care. In general, acute care is focused on illness and injuries, and primary care focuses on wellness and prevention.