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.

National CRNA Week Resources & Advocacy Guide

January 3, 2023 – Matt Zbrog

CRNA care is safe, cost-effective, and a critical resource for rural and veteran communities. But barriers remain to unlocking the profession's full potential, and CRNAs are banding together to make their voices heard on these issues.

Travel Nurse Practitioner (NP) Jobs: What to Look for Before Going Remote

December 14, 2022 – Sophia Khawly, MSN

Before going remote, a travel NP should contemplate their priorities in choosing an assignment. Are they concerned about taxes or practice autonomy? Or are they just looking for a place to work that seems welcoming and with a fair patient-to-provider ratio?

NPs & HIV/AIDS Awareness Month Advocacy Guide

December 8, 2022 – Kimmy Gustafson

HIV/AIDS is a critical public health issue that demands attention. In 2019, the most recent statistics available, the CDC reported that there were 36,801 new HIV infections in the US. While this number is a 9 percent decrease since 2015, it is still alarmingly high.

Nurse Practitioner (NP) vs. Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) vs. Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL)

December 6, 2022 – Kimmy Gustafson

There are many different types of nurses, each with its own specific focus and training. Three advanced roles include nurse practitioner (NP), clinical nurse specialist (CNS), and clinical nurse leader (CNL). All of these nurses have completed additional training beyond what is required to become registered nurses (RNs). However, the focus of this additional training can be quite different, and the duties and roles vary widely.

Nurse Practitioner (NP) vs. Physician Associate or Assistant (PA)

November 9, 2022 – Rachel Drummond, MEd

Why consider a career as a nurse practitioner or a physician associate (formerly known as a physician assistant)? Both positions are primary care providers who provide general or specialized healthcare in clinical or hospital settings.

The Process to Become a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner – What to Know

October 27, 2022 – Kimmy Gustafson

Psychiatric nurse practitioners are advanced practice nurses with specialized training in psychiatry and mental health. Not only do they provide psychotherapy services, but they also can prescribe medications based on a client’s needs. Their duties include everything from assessing a client’s mental health, diagnosing mental health illnesses, and writing a treatment plan.

NP vs Physician / Medical Doctor (MD)

October 7, 2022 – Matt Zbrog

While NPs and MDs may perform many of the same roles in some geographies and specialties, they will perform drastically different roles in others. But the NP role continues to evolve rapidly, and the differences aren’t as drastic as they were 20 years ago.

NP vs Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN)

September 29, 2022 – Rachel Drummond, MEd

Each state board of nursing (SBON) has unique definitions, but the four common APRN titles are nurse practitioners (NPs), certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNA), clinical nurse specialists (CNS), and certified nurse-midwives (CNM).

Nurse Practitioner (NP) vs Physician Assistant or Associate (PA)

September 7, 2022 – Rachel Drummond, MEd

Pursuing a clinical healthcare career isn’t limited to becoming a physician. With a two-year master’s degree, one can become a nurse practitioner (NP) or a physician associate/assistant (PA) and provide primary or specialized care in clinical settings.

The Process to Become a Nurse Practitioner – What to Know

July 26, 2022 – Kimmy Gustafson

Today, nurse practitioners are licensed independent healthcare practitioners who provide high-quality medical care to all types of patients. They have completed additional education beyond an initial nursing program, holding either master’s of science in nursing (MSN) or a doctor of nursing practice (DNP) degree.