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.

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.

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.

APRNs in Retail-Based Clinics – What to Know

November 30, 2023 – 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.

What are the Best States for NPs & Other APRNs (2023-2024)?

November 28, 2023 – Matt Zbrog

In ranking the best states for NPs and other APRNs, we utilized the following sources: job growth data, average annual salaries, and regulatory (or practice authority) status.

Guide to Nurse Practitioner Continuing Education Resources (2023-2024) – Contact Hours & Units

November 27, 2023 – Becca Brewer, MEd

While much of an NP’s continuing education happens in a way that is hands-on, practical, and in response to what they encounter as they practice, maintaining licensure and professional certification requires practicing NPs to adequately complete formal continuing education as well.

A Guide to Malpractice Insurance for NPs

November 13, 2023 – Matt Zbrog

Malpractice insurance, also known as professional liability insurance, does just that: it protects NPs from the costs associated with claims of negligence or incompetence, including costs related to liability and legal defense. As the role and responsibility of NPs continue to increase, it’s essential that NPs be adequately covered.