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.

Choosing an NP Specialization or Sub-specialty: Your Options & The Selection Process

February 8, 2024 – Sophia Khawly, MSN

When choosing an NP specialty or sub-specialty, the NP should consider their past experiences as a nurse, and if they want to continue working in a similar specialty or try something different. They should contemplate if they would like to prioritize pay, work-life balance, or job satisfaction. They should also examine if they are looking for a field to be comfortable in or one that will challenge them.

Pros and Cons of Working in Telemedicine: An NP’s Perspective

February 1, 2024 – Sophia Khawly, MSN

Over the last several years, telemedicine has changed the healthcare landscape. It is estimated that there are at least 158 million telemedicine visits annually. Telemedicine is a popular benefit because it allows patients to communicate with health professionals without visiting the office. The appointments are convenient because the patient can talk to the provider by phone or video from the convenience of their home. It is also affordable for patients without health insurance who need simple treatment.

Best Small and Mid-sized Hospitals for Nurse Practitioners

January 30, 2024 – Kimmy Gustafson

Choosing the right place to work can significantly impact a nurse practitioner's career. While there are significant benefits to working at large hospitals, small and mid-sized hospitals can offer many unique opportunities for nurse practitioners, from a close-knit community feel to specialized patient care. Smaller institutions also allow for greater role flexibility and the opportunity to work on more unique cases.

The Impact of Covid-19 on Pediatric Patients & Teams: An Interview with Dr. Jessica Peck, DNP

January 23, 2024 – Rachel Drummond, MEd

As we begin a slow and steady recovery from the worldwide devastation of Covid-19, parents and caretakers are wondering: “How will our children be affected by this pandemic?” After more than a year of living, working, and schooling at home in isolation, every aspect of family, personal, and professional life has dramatically shifted in ways that no one could have predicted.

An NP’s Perspective: How Nurse Practitioners Can Decrease Healthcare Costs

January 4, 2024 – Sophia Khawly, MSN

According to the American Association of Nurse Practitioners, nurse practitioners are a proven answer to the evolving movement towards preventative health care and wellness. Evidence has proven that NPs consistently provide cost-effective, high-quality care to patients. This has been exhibited in various healthcare settings, such as primary care, acute care, and long-term care.

Scholarship Guide for Nurse Practitioner Schools (2024)

December 8, 2023 – Matt Zbrog

Scholarships for nurse practitioner schools have never been more plentiful. Whether you’re searching for a particular region, specialization, demographic, or even general assistance, there’s a scholarship out there for you.

Can Nurse Practitioners Prescribe Medicines? What to Know

December 7, 2023 – 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.

How Much Do Nurse Practitioners Make? A Comprehensive Guide (2024)

December 5, 2023 – Becca Brewer, MEd

The average nurse practitioner's salary across the nation varies by source. According to the BLS (May 2021), NPs made an average annual mean wage of $118,040. And according to the 1,976 NPs who self-reported salaries on PayScale.com (2022), the average NP salary came in at $100,531.

Challenges in the Workplace as an NP

December 4, 2023 – Sophia Khawly, MSN

Challenges in the workplace for NPs include working in a restrictive practice setting; dynamics with coworkers; patient interactions; schedules; and transitioning as an RN to NP. Some of these workplace challenges are specific to NPs, while others can be found in any healthcare job.

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

December 1, 2023 – 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. Thankfully, several public and nonprofit organizations are established to help regulate higher education.