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.

Taxes for Nurse Practitioners: W2 Employee vs 1099 Contractor

May 14, 2025 – Sophia Khawly, MSN

There are pros and cons of being paid as a W2 employee and being a 1099 contractor or self-employed. Some may prefer having benefits being a W2 employee, such as health insurance, whereas some prefer being a 1099 contractor, where the hourly pay tends to be higher.

How to Make Your Nurse Practitioner (NP) Resume Stand Out

May 13, 2025 – Sophia Khawly, MSN

Creating a unique resume as a nurse practitioner is lucrative to stand out from a sea of applicants. A resume communicates the brand of the NP and their qualifications. The job of a resume is to get you to the interview and then facilitate the relationship between you and the possible new employer.

Choosing an NP Specialization or Subspecialty: Your Options & The Selection Process

May 12, 2025 – 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.

Guide to the Most Useful Mobile Apps for Nurse Practitioners

May 9, 2025 – Kimmy Gustafson

The right mobile app can streamline a nurse practitioner's day. Apps can now help diagnose complicated cases, provide references for medical conditions, supply detailed medication information, and even provide continuing education. Nurse practitioners can access these apps on their smartphones or tablets from their office, home, or exam room, streamlining patient care.

Guide to Nurse Practitioner Fellowships & Residencies (2025-2026)

May 8, 2025 – 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.

How to Write an Excellent NP School Personal Statement

May 1, 2025 – Rachel Drummond, MEd

So why are nurse practitioner admissions so competitive? A shortage of qualified nursing teaching faculty and an increasing number of retiring nurses are some possible reasons, according to CNN. One thing is sure: applicants for nursing practitioner programs must put together flawless applications to rank high with an admissions committee.

Working as a Nurse Practitioner Abroad: A Travel NP’s Guide

April 18, 2025 – Sophia Khawly, MSN

Countries with opportunities for NPs to practice are the UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada. Other countries starting to utilize NPs but still working on defining the scope of practice include Switzerland, the Netherlands, Norway, Germany, and Iceland.

A Comprehensive Guide to NP Subspecialties

April 16, 2025 – Matt Zbrog

The 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.

Ask an NP: What to Know About Working in Rural Healthcare

April 10, 2025 – Sophia Khawly, MSN

Working in rural health can be both challenging and rewarding. This population has a lot of health disparities and limited access to care. The amount of nurse practitioners joining rural healthcare increases each year.

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.