Being an NP in NC.

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I wanted to ask you guys if being an NP is tough in NC. I have heard about how restrictive it can be with the regulations and that in some areas the pay is not very good. I wanted to see if anybody here is a NP in NC as I would Like to move there, preferably in a rural area outside of Haw River somewhere. Is the pay really that bad and does it suck to be an NP in NC? Thanks in advance.

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Specializes in RN, BSN, CHDN.

Welcome to allnurses!

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Specializes in Brain Illnesses.

Hate to say it, but I wouldn't WORK as an NP in NC. They are one of the most restrictive environments for NPs in the US - they may as well not have any NPs at all. There has to be a better place to practice. I think that NPs who do work in these terrible environments actually harm the entire profession - because working there implies tacit agreement with the treatment. In a perfect world, all NPs would move to states like Vermont or Washington State. Since that's not possible, though, at least, please, reconsider, and write a note to the board there telling them why you won't move there as an NP. There must be another state you can go to. Check this out:

https://www.ncbon.com/dcp/i/nursing-practice-nurse-practitioner-faq--nurse-practitioner-np

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Specializes in psychiatric.

I am also curious about how current NP's in N.C. feel about working there, particularly PMHNP's. We will be moving eventually and I am looking at different states. N.C. is of interest due to family living there. How do you current NP's feel about NC?

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In many regards, NC is a great place to live. It's not a great place to practice as an NP. I am an ANP living on Western NC (worse area of the state to work from a pay perspective) but moving is not an option for a few more years. So here I am, pushing for higher pay, knowing that when the system I work for increases pay for NPs, pay will necessarily increase across WNC. I like to think I am making a difference in my little corner of the state. My husband's job prohibits our moving at this time.

The NCBON is notoriously difficult - restricting practice, restricting educational opportunities for anyone who wants an out-of-state education, etc. I hope they will catch on...with so many states passing regulations that allow NPs independent practice, it seems all states will eventually follow suit as they see patients are not suffering I'll effects of our "free range" practice!

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Hate to say it, but I wouldn't WORK as an NP in NC. They are one of the most restrictive environments for NPs in the US - they may as well not have any NPs at all. There has to be a better place to practice. I think that NPs who do work in these terrible environments actually harm the entire profession - because working there implies tacit agreement with the treatment. In a perfect world, all NPs would move to states like Vermont or Washington State. Since that's not possible, though, at least, please, reconsider, and write a note to the board there telling them why you won't move there as an NP. There must be another state you can go to. Check this out:

https://www.ncbon.com/dcp/i/nursing-practice-nurse-practitioner-faq--nurse-practitioner-np

My wife and I absolutely fell in love with NC and that is why we are wanting to move there. That being said, I have heard some horror stories about how bad being an NP is and the pay being low as well. Thanks for the link. I have emailed the NCBON a few times with little response from them. They have not been much help at all. Thanks for the response.

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In many regards, NC is a great place to live. It's not a great place to practice as an NP. I am an ANP living on Western NC (worse area of the state to work from a pay perspective) but moving is not an option for a few more years. So here I am, pushing for higher pay, knowing that when the system I work for increases pay for NPs, pay will necessarily increase across WNC. I like to think I am making a difference in my little corner of the state. My husband's job prohibits our moving at this time.

The NCBON is notoriously difficult - restricting practice, restricting educational opportunities for anyone who wants an out-of-state education, etc. I hope they will catch on...with so many states passing regulations that allow NPs independent practice, it seems all states will eventually follow suit as they see patients are not suffering I'll effects of our "free range" practice!

I look forward to seeing the states move towards a more open and as you put it "free range" practice for NP's. I think it would help if it was just the BON over NP's and nurses rather than the both the BON and Medical Board.

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Specializes in ER, HH, CTICU, corrections, cardiology, hospice.

So here is how it works in NC as far as licensing goes. A onetime $25 fee to be able to call yourself "NP". Then, you can not be licensed in NC without a supervisory physician. No MD, no license. I could MAYBE understand, no MD, no practice, but NO LICENSE? Come on. Yes, I know of several NP owned practices that Operate in NC. Whether they have a benevolent benefactor of an MD or they are coerced to pay tribute/tithe/tax to the MD, I do not know.

its is a beautiful state with awesome BBQ.

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Nursetim, I agree it is a beautiful state.

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It is beautiful here. There is so much to enjoy in the mountains OR the coast. Great food! High medical needs with very high rates of diabetes and hypertension. Large immigrant population. Rural needs as well as Native American healthcare needs.

We we live close enough to SC that it's a quick trip to the coast there for a weekend. But the taxes are high, practice is restricted, and hospital systems are all scared right now.

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