What are the BEST and WORST States to practice as an NP?

I am speaking primarily from two perspectives here:

1. The degree to which NP's are accepted, recognized, and utilized in that area/state.

2. The degree to which state law recognizes NP's, and grants them autonomy, and privledges such as the ability to write prescriptions.

Being from Mississippi I can rebuke this information. A lot of patients are beginning to choose NP's over MD's or DO's for their PCP. They appreciate the fact that most NP's bring a more caring, holistic aspect of healthcare to the relationship. Some physicians do still choose to relagate the NP to the back seat and see them as someone there just to lighten their load ( a glorified office nurse), but the really good NP's gain respect from the physicians when they can show a high level of expertise in decision-making, referrals and consults.

Being from Mississippi I can rebuke this information. A lot of patients are beginning to choose NP's over MD's or DO's for their PCP. They appreciate the fact that most NP's bring a more caring, holistic aspect of healthcare to the relationship. Some physicians do still choose to relagate the NP to the back seat and see them as someone there just to lighten their load ( a glorified office nurse), but the really good NP's gain respect from the physicians when they can show a high level of expertise in decision-making, referrals and consults.

Brighteyes,

I am glad to hear this! Those specifics you mention, decision making, etc. are skills that not all doctors have, nor are they encouraged to by their training.

I am, in fact, one of those people who switched for my daughter's primary care person. We had been seeing one of the NPs in the pediatric office, and after a few visits, realized we preferred her, particularly her efforts to see the whole picture, instead of the particular complaint at the moment.

Diahni

I don't know guys - Illinois ranks up there on the "worst" list. That's why I'm in a generic MSN program - it doesn't pay to be a NP.

traumaRUs:

what would you say about Massachusetts?

Diahni

Specializes in EMERGENCY, FAMILY MEDICINE.

thanks for all the info. i am going to begin np here in dallas tx. i still researching regarding pay and priviledges that np have.

In NJ APN's are very independant. In So Jersey all the oncologists have them in their offices. I manage a HIV clinic and I have 2 APN's that have their own patient load

In NJ APN's are very independant. In So Jersey all the oncologists have them in their offices. I manage a HIV clinic and I have 2 APN's that have their own patient load

I can vouch for that. I was used to seeing my NPs in Philadelphia, where there has to be a doctor on-site (at least for their particular specialty), and where the prescriptions and test orders are always done in the Dr.'s name only. When I went to see an FNP in Southern NJ, I was surprised that she ran her own office. Her Rx pads list a "Consulting Physician" in another town about 45 minutes away, but her name is listed prominently as the prescriber. I asked if the Dr. was ever in the office I visited and was told no, she didn't have/need to be. We even have a couple of NP/MD partnership practices around here that I know of, where the NP's name is listed as prominently as the doctor's in all advertising.

Specializes in Psychiatric.
Yes, New York and Tennessee are 2 that I know of.

Connecticut too!

Specializes in Psychiatric.
:) hello I was wondering how is CT??

I think Ct. is pretty good-collaborative contract only, Most MD's and pt.s' are very receptive. I like being an APRN here!

Thanks psychnurse, it's good to hear some CT NPs speak up! I'm career-changing (hope to be an ACNP or Adult Primary), and the frequent talk about the Northeast not having a nursing shortage or NPs not being welcomed has had me on my toes with eyes peeled. I'll be working in CT for quite a while, so your comments ease the worries a bit.

Of course, the winds are always changing....hope things are still good in a few years when I'm out of the frying pan!

Specializes in ICU, Med-Surg, Post-op, Same-Day Surgery.
I currently live in Nevada, but originally am from Michigan. I must say that Nevada seems like a decent place to practice as an NP. They seem to be respected and have a decent pay.

Michigan is a GREAT place to work as an NP, especially in the northern areas. The northern part of Michigan is considered to be a "rural" area, when in fact its actually a prospering part of the state. NP's have a huge involvement with the communities. Michigan is also a wonderful state to practice as a DO.

This is great to hear! I am getting my BSN in Tennessee, but ultimately I want to move back to Mi, get my NP there, and work (want to be closer to family and that oh-so-lovely countryside). I'm relieved to hear that it's a good state to work in!

Yes, let us pray they are not "yahoos". Just dont plan to leave the ATL area, once you get outside of it, you are looking at another world. Unforetunely having the CDC there has not helped much in the way of progression for the state as a whole.

Hello. We should not be stereotyping. The CDC is in Atlanta, hardly a group of yahoos.

Arkansas, has to be on the list with the worst. The doctors can not see past the word "nurse" so therefore they just want to run their errands for the same pay as RNs.

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