APRN Guides

Pursuing an advanced nursing career is challenging, but there is a wealth of scholarship opportunities, professional associations, salary guides, and more to help aspiring APRNs. Check out our authoritative resource guides below.

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.

What are New Nurse Practitioners’ Most Common Mistakes?

March 18, 2026 – 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.

Entrepreneurship & Business Ideas for NPs

March 17, 2026 – 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.

Taxes for Nurse Practitioners: W-2 Employee vs. 1099 Contractor

March 16, 2026 – Sophia Khawly, MSN

There are pros and cons of being paid as a W-2 employee and being a 1099 contractor or self-employed. Some may prefer having benefits being a W-2 employee, such as health insurance, whereas some prefer being a 1099 contractor, where the hourly pay tends to be higher.

APRNs in Retail-Based Clinics – What to Know

March 13, 2026 – Nina Chamlou

Retail-based clinics (also known as convenient care clinics, retail clinics, and limited services clinics) provide basic care services in pharmacies, grocery stores, and “big box” stores, such as Target and Walmart.

The Alarming Nursing Educator Shortage

March 12, 2026 – Kimmy Gustafson

Across the United States, the nursing workforce crisis is being fueled by a lesser-known but deeply consequential problem: a severe shortage of nurse educators. While demand for nurses continues to rise, nursing schools are unable to expand enrollment fast enough to meet workforce needs.

The Process to Become a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner – What to Know

March 11, 2026 – Kimmy Gustafson

Psychiatric nurse practitioners are advanced practice nurses with specialized training in psychiatry and mental health. Not only do they provide psychotherapy services, but they can also prescribe medications based on a client’s needs. Their duties include everything from assessing a client’s mental health, diagnosing mental health illnesses and writing a treatment plan.

Social Determinants of Health and Their Effect on Health Outcomes: A Case Study

March 10, 2026 – Celeste Williams, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC

The Marshallese make up no more than 3 percent of Northwest Arkansas' population, but in July of 2020 they had suffered half of the Covid-19 deaths in the region. In order to understand how this occurred we will look at the social determinants that led to such disparity and negative health outcomes.

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.