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.

How to Become a Clinical Nurse Specialist

January 4, 2023 – Kimmy Gustafson

A clinical nurse specialist (CNS) is an advanced practice registered nurse who provides expert nursing care to patients with complex medical needs. CNSs play a vital role in the healthcare system, providing critical care and guidance to patients and their families. They also work closely with other healthcare team members, including doctors and nurses, to ensure that patients receive the best possible care.

National CRNA Week Resources & Advocacy Guide (2023)

January 3, 2023 – Matt Zbrog

CRNA care is safe, cost-effective, and a critical resource for rural and veteran communities. But barriers remain to unlocking the profession's full potential, and CRNAs are banding together to make their voices heard on these issues.

Travel Nurse Practitioner (NP) Jobs: What to Look for Before Going Remote

December 14, 2022 – Sophia Khawly, MSN

Before going remote, a travel NP should contemplate their priorities in choosing an assignment. Are they concerned about taxes or practice autonomy? Or are they just looking for a place to work that seems welcoming and with a fair patient-to-provider ratio?

NPs & HIV/AIDS Awareness Month Advocacy Guide

December 8, 2022 – Kimmy Gustafson

HIV/AIDS is a critical public health issue that demands attention. In 2019, the most recent statistics available, the CDC reported that there were 36,801 new HIV infections in the US. While this number is a 9 percent decrease since 2015, it is still alarmingly high.

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

December 7, 2022 – Matt Zbrog

December is HIV/AIDS Awareness Month. It’s an opportunity to spread awareness about how far medical science has come with HIV and AIDS, and also a chance to celebrate the crucial work with communities at risk for, and living with, HIV and AIDS.

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

December 6, 2022 – 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.

Guide to Nurse Practitioner Fellowships & Residencies (2022-2023)

December 2, 2022 – Matt Zbrog

Often, the first few months out of school and in the workforce are the most difficult for a nurse practitioner, who in some settings may be expected to perform as many as 80 percent of the same duties a physician would. Fellowships and residencies smooth the transition, offering extra hands-on experience and allowing for further specialization.

Ask a Professor: The Practice Environment in Nevada

November 28, 2022 – Matt Zbrog

America needs more primary care providers. With the nation’s largest generation advancing into old age, medical schools can’t graduate physicians quickly enough to meet the population’s increasingly complex needs. Fortunately, Nevada has a growing workforce of expertly-trained healthcare professionals who are well-equipped to help address the state’s unique needs: nurse practitioners.

Crushing a Nurse Practitioner (NP) Job Interview

November 14, 2022 – Sophia Khawly, MSN

When an NP is scheduled for a job interview, the site has already determined that the NP has most of the qualifications required for the position. Now they want to see if they like the NP and if they are as good as they seem on paper.

Nurse Practitioner (NP) vs. Physician Associate or Assistant (PA)

November 9, 2022 – Rachel Drummond

Why consider a career as a nurse practitioner or a physician associate (formerly known as a physician assistant)? Both positions are primary care providers who provide general or specialized healthcare in clinical or hospital settings.