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.
Nurse Practitioner (NP) vs. Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) vs. Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL)
April 7, 2026 – Kimmy GustafsonThere 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.
How Has Access to Nursing Student Loans Changed in 2026?
March 30, 2026 – Sophia Khawly, MSNThe 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 ZbrogThe 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.
The Process to Become a Nurse Practitioner – What to Know
March 20, 2026 – Kimmy GustafsonToday, 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, MEdWith 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, MSNNew 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, MSNSome 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, MSNThere 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 ChamlouRetail-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 GustafsonAcross 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.