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.

Can Nurse Practitioners Prescribe Medicines? What to Know

February 11, 2025 – Matt Zbrog

Nurse practitioners (NPs) are an essential component of the American healthcare system. They provide high-quality, cost-effective care and significantly increase healthcare access, particularly in rural and underserved areas. But in many states, NPs face obtuse and outdated regulations that inhibit their ability to prescribe certain medicines, devices, and services to their patients.

An Expert’s Guide: Life as a Hospice & Palliative Care NP

February 7, 2025 – Matt Zbrog

Palliative care is a medical specialty focused on improving the quality of life for patients facing serious illnesses and the side effects of their treatment; hospice care focuses on the palliation of terminally ill patients towards the end of their life. Both are of critical importance.

How to Build a Professional Network as an NP Student

February 3, 2025 – Sophia Khawly, MSN

NP students can network in many ways, such as by joining professional organizations and attending conferences. They can connect with professors, preceptors, and clinical sites during rotations. They can leverage online platforms, engage with alumni, and volunteer.

How to Make NP School More Affordable

January 27, 2025 – Sophia Khawly, MSN

Nurses can apply for scholarships, enroll in student loan forgiveness programs, and have tuition covered by their employer or the military. They should choose a cost-effective program and borrow responsibly. They should also consider working while in school and saving on ordinary living expenses.

What are New Nurse Practitioners’ Most Common Mistakes?

December 23, 2024 – Sophia Khawly, MSN

New NPs frequently suffer through self-doubt or poor time management and may be afraid to ask for help. They are prone to burnout and may find it difficult to think outside the box or understand their scope of practice. New NPs should prioritize self-care and seek support from a mentor or a colleague.

Pros and Cons of Being a Psychiatric-Mental Health NP

November 26, 2024 – 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.

What to Ask When Shadowing a Nurse Practitioner

October 30, 2024 – Sophia Khawly, MSN

They can learn to make clinical decisions and provide patient-centered and safe care. They can learn how to transition information taught in class into a practice environment. They can understand how to navigate complex patients and challenging decision-making.

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

October 3, 2024 – Matt Zbrog

Florida’s nurse practitioners are highly trained healthcare providers who are adept at diagnosing illnesses, prescribing medicines, and treating diseases in both acute and primary care settings.

Top Reasons to Start an Online MSN Program

August 28, 2024 – Sophia Khawly, MSN

Pursuing an online MSN program can be flexible and allow RNs to keep their full-time jobs. Nowadays, nurses can easily find accredited and respectable online MSN programs. These programs allow nurses to become advanced practice clinicians or transition into a career in leadership or education.

Entrepreneurship & Business Ideas for NPs

July 29, 2024 – Sophia Khawly, MSN

Some business ideas for NPs include starting a private practice such as a medical spa, concierge medicine office, or telemedicine practice. They can start an intravenous infusion center, an online scrubs store, or a home health agency. NPs can use their experience to become a nurse coach or craft NP student education resources.