Experts

Both current and aspiring advanced practice nurses can benefit from the advice of seasoned professionals. Through interviews and expert-written content from professors, nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, and other APRNs, discover what to expect from various career paths, including information about job challenges and state practice authority laws.

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 But in many states, NPs face obtuse and outdated regulations that inhibit their ability to prescribe certain medicines, devices, and services to their patients.

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.

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.

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.

Day in the Life of a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner (NP)

November 14, 2024 – Matt Zbrog

Psychiatric-mental health NPs are trained to provide a wide range of mental health services in various settings. They assess and diagnose patients, prescribe medications, and collaborate with other medical and non-medical professionals in providing care. Throughout, they apply the holistic approach that’s characteristic of all NPs and which is particularly valuable in psychiatry and mental health.

What to Ask When Shadowing a Nurse Practitioner

October 30, 2024 – Sophia Khawly, MSN

They can learn to make clinical decisions and provide patient-centered and safe care. They can learn how to transition information taught in class into a practice environment. They can understand how to navigate complex patients and challenging decision-making.

Ask a Professor: How Florida’s NPs Are Fighting for Full Practice Authority

October 3, 2024 – Matt Zbrog

Florida's nurse practitioners are highly trained healthcare providers who are adept at diagnosing illnesses, prescribing medicines, and treating diseases in both acute and primary care settings.

Day in the Life of a Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner (NP)

September 27, 2024 – Matt Zbrog

Women’s health is a specialty practice area that continues to grow and evolve. Advocacy and social justice are baked into its DNA. WHNPs take a truly holistic approach to care, considering the relationships between class, ethnicity, gender, and sexual orientation when treating their patients.

Day in the Life of an Aesthetic Nurse Practitioner (NP)

September 24, 2024 – Sophia Khawly, MSN

Aesthetic NPs work in outpatient settings such as medical spas or private practice clinics. They inject dermal fillers or Botox to improve the appearance of wrinkles and crow’s feet. They also perform laser therapy, such as tattoo removal and laser hair removal. Additionally, they provide skin treatments such as facials, microdermabrasion, and chemical peels.