This week, Medicus is proud to join in celebrating National Nurse Practitioner Week from November 10th to the 16th. Hosted by the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP), this annual event is dedicated to recognizing and appreciating nurse practitioners' vital role in healthcare.
In the United States, more than 385,000 nurse practitioners (NPs) help lead the way in addressing the critical challenges surrounding healthcare accessibility. Annually, NPs play a pivotal role as patients seek their expertise in over a billion visits spanning primary, acute, specialty, and long-term care across every healthcare setting.
The Vital Role of Nurse Practitioners in Healthcare
In 1965, the visionaries Drs. Loretta Ford and Henry Silver pioneered the first nurse practitioner program, envisioning a role that could enhance patient care. Nearly six decades later, NPs have transformed healthcare, enhancing health outcomes and enriching lives nationwide.
Nurse practitioners bring a comprehensive view to patient care. NPs are qualified to make diagnoses and treat illnesses, prescribe medications, order and interpret tests, and, most importantly, blend clinical expertise with an emphasis on disease prevention. With their advanced knowledge and skills, NPs are crucial in delivering high-quality, patient-centered care.
Did You Know?
Here are some quick facts about NPs that highlight their impact:
- 88% of NPs are certified in an area of primary care, and 70.3% of all NPs deliver primary care.
- 45.6% of full-time NPs hold hospital privileges.
- 96.2% of NPs prescribe medications.
- The majority of full-time NPs see 3 or more patients per hour.
- The average age of NPs is 46 years old.
- To date, 27 states, the District of Columbia, and two U.S. territories have adopted Full Practice Authority, giving patients full and direct access to NPs.
The Increasing Demand for Nurse Practitioners
Employment for nurse practitioners is projected to grow by 46% from 2023 to 2033, significantly faster than the average among all occupations. This growth is fueled by an increased emphasis on preventative care and an aging population's expanding healthcare needs. With primary care physician shortages expected to reach between 20,200 and 40,000 by 2036, NPs are set to play a pivotal role alongside locum tenens in enhancing accessibility to top-notch care.
Locum tenens nurse practitioners, in particular, offer flexible solutions for healthcare facilities facing fluctuating demands for care. By stepping into high-need areas and covering peak patient volumes, NPs make it possible for facilities to maintain consistent, high-quality care. Together with full-time NPs, locum tenens help healthcare systems ensure consistent access to care, particularly in underserved regions.
Thank you, Nurse Practitioners!
Thank you to all dedicated Nurse Practitioners who, through unwavering commitment and expertise, are shaping a healthier, more accessible future for all. To our locum tenens NPs, thank you for expanding high-quality patient care nationwide. Medicus is truly honored to partner with such devoted locum tenens NPs, each leaving a positive impact every day. In honor of NP Week, we encourage you to stay connected with the celebration and share your stories about NPs' impact on social media using AANPs hashtag #NPWeek!
We invite you to learn more about National NP Week here!
Interested in working as a locum tenens nurse practitioner? Complete the short form below to connect with a Medicus Recruiter.
