NPSchools.com Nursing Features

The nurse practitioner profession is growing at a rapid pace. And with growth comes change. Today’s nurse practitioners are dealing with staff shortages in rural areas, changes in educational standards, and battles for wider practice authority in select states. What will tomorrow’s nurse practitioners be concerned with? Our interview-based features and in-depth resource guides uncover the stories behind the big issues by talking to nurse practitioners who know the subject best.

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 But in many states, NPs face obtuse and outdated regulations that inhibit their ability to prescribe certain medicines, devices, and services to their patients.

An Expert’s Guide: Life as a Hospice & Palliative Care NP

February 7, 2025 – Matt Zbrog

Palliative care is a medical specialty focused on improving the quality of life for patients facing serious illnesses and the side effects of their treatment; hospice care focuses on the palliation of terminally ill patients towards the end of their life. Both are of critical importance.

An Expert’s Bona Fide Guide: Life as a Transplant Nurse Practitioner (NP)

February 4, 2025 – Matt Zbrog

The first successful kidney transplant was performed in 1954, signaling a new era in medical practice. Today, transplants of kidneys, lungs, hearts, livers, and pancreata are all considered routine procedures. Alongside the development of immunosuppressant drugs and an increasing number of donors, more and more patients can live longer, healthier lives: 2021 set the record for the most organ transplants in the United States.

How to Build a Professional Network as an NP Student

February 3, 2025 – Sophia Khawly, MSN

NP students can network in many ways, such as by joining professional organizations and attending conferences. They can connect with professors, preceptors, and clinical sites during rotations. They can leverage online platforms, engage with alumni, and volunteer.

How to Make NP School More Affordable

January 27, 2025 – Sophia Khawly, MSN

Nurses can apply for scholarships, enroll in student loan forgiveness programs, and have tuition covered by their employer or the military. They should choose a cost-effective program and borrow responsibly. They should also consider working while in school and saving on ordinary living expenses.

Scholarship Guide for Nurse Practitioner Schools (2025)

January 3, 2025 – 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.

What are New Nurse Practitioners’ Most Common Mistakes?

December 23, 2024 – 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.

An Expert’s Bona Fide Guide: Life as a Forensic NP

December 19, 2024 – Matt Zbrog

Forensic nurse practitioners (NPs) combine the nursing, forensic, and legal sciences to bring safety, medical treatment, and justice to their patients. Within a specialized practice setting, they apply a core forensic nursing education that informs a holistic, patient-centered, trauma-aware approach to the traditional NP role.

Pros and Cons of Being a Psychiatric-Mental Health NP

November 26, 2024 – 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.

Guide to Nurse Practitioner Conferences (2025)

November 25, 2024 – Becca Brewer, MEd

Many NP conferences work to expand the recognition of the importance of the NP role in healthcare, connect NPs to one another to create advocacy and business partnerships and provide NPs with the continuing education needed to maintain active board certification.