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.

[nursetwobe]

Anyone know what the state of Nebraska is like? I am currently getting my BSN in NE and want to persue getting my NP here as well. Thanks

[kskites]

Maryland is really the best, best schools (Johns Hopkins University and University of Maryland) major political influences. Maryland is really one the best states to practice in, besides Cali.

[Jerico, BSN, RN]

Glad to hear that about MD. Was born there and I have a daughter attending an art school in Baltimore. Was considering doing NNP (Neonatal) and then moving there to share and apt with her for her last two years 4+1 masters program.

Will keep that in mind.

[twirlbaby]

Florida is the same way of not have the prescriptive authority for NP's

[twirlbaby]

CINGLY -

I too went to BSN school in TN. I hope that you will be able to move back to MI when you graduate. I have heard several good things about working in MI. I still work in TN as an NP. Good luck to you

[ruralnurs]

If you are looking at limitations then Montana has to be one of the best. We can write for ANY drug, we do not have to work under or in collaboration with an MD, if one owns his/her own practice then s/he must have 10% (I think) of his/her charts audited by another NP (NOT a doc!).

Now for the $$, we are among the lowest paid, but we sure do live in a beautiful state!

Lorina

[AtomicWoman]

If you are looking at limitations then Montana has to be one of the best. We can write for ANY drug, we do not have to work under or in collaboration with an MD, if one owns his/her own practice then s/he must have 10% (I think) of his/her charts audited by another NP (NOT a doc!).

Now for the $$, we are among the lowest paid, but we sure do live in a beautiful state!

Lorina

Dang! That sounds good! Now tell me -- does any part of Montana NOT have extreme winter weather? :rotfl:

[yellow finch, BSN, RN]

I wish my husband would be more of an adventurer. As of now, he doesn't want to leave his comfort zone in order for a better life. What are the chances that once I graduate I'll enjoy a more rewarding career as a FNP compared to my current job in GA?

Granted, I probably won't have to work the awful nights, weekends, and holidays as often. :)

I think it's time I join some groups to fight for independency for APRNs.

[Annegg]

What is NY like for NP's?

[sim236]

Hi. Can someone please tell me how Texas is like for NP's based on earnings and level of independence? Thank You.

[TX RN]

I believe TX is one of 7 (maybe 12) states that requires MD endorsement (supervision) for prescriptive priviliges and limits drug class that NP's are allowed to write for. From some e-mails that I've received from my school and CNAP it appears that TX is pretty restrictive (albeit it's relative to what state you reside in now). Hope that helps.

[ANPFNPGNP]

Hi. Can someone please tell me how Texas is like for NP's based on earnings and level of independence? Thank You.

I live in Texas and we are presently fighting for complete independence from physician oversight. We're going after it in urban and rural areas, but the MD lobbyists are fighting us like crazy, but I really feel we'll get it in rural areas. I wonder if there are any states that allow NP's to practice

independently in rural areas only?

As far as earnings, it just depends on where you live. I've heard that NP's in Austin are a dime a dozen and make around 65K-70K annually. However, I'm seeing 6 figure salaries in rural areas and in the Houston area. It's all about supply and demand. Hospitalist NP's are in high demand in South Texas and they are all earning >100K. TX is VERY restrictive as far as scope of practice, so you'll need to be an Acute Care NP in order to practice as a hospitalist around here.