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.

Hey guys! I don't believe this link has been proffered yet (my apologies if it has!), but here's the best ranking of the states I've found:

http://www.acnpweb.org/files/public/Ranking_of_states_07.pdf

According to this ranking, TN is better off than AR? The other link, someone provided, however (http://bhpr.hrsa.gov/healthworkforce/reports/scope/scope3-5.htm#4), has AR better off than TN...any anecdotal information??

Thanks!

Wow that was a very interesting link. As a new psych np grad in Iowa, I knew some of the states boarding me were very restrictive compared with Iowa law. Iowa was number 3 on one list and 12 on another. Thanks for the links.

Specializes in Education, FP, LNC, Forensics, ED, OB.

This thread is not about differences between/among physicians, nurse practitioners, CRNAs, or anesthesiologists. Discussing this here is divisive and serves no useful purpose. You can start another thread or find one of MANY about these topics.

Refrain from this discussion. Posts will be deleted that are off-topic. And, points assigned if it continues.

Fair warning.

Do we need to do any updating on this thread? I'm working locums in New Mexico and it's sweet here for NP's.

Specializes in Anesthesia, Pain, Emergency Medicine.

The states that I am licensed in: You are TOTALLY independent. Do not need an physician.

Alaska

Montana

Idaho

Arizona

Washington

The states that I am licensed in: You are TOTALLY independent. Do not need an physician.

Alaska

Montana

Idaho

Arizona

Washington

Washington State? Really? Wow, I didn't know that. Thanks for the update.

Do we need to do any updating on this thread? I'm working locums in New Mexico and it's sweet here for NP's.

What part of NM do you live in, and do you like it there? NM is one state I am seriously thinking of moving to once I have my NP program done (not for a couple years...)

Thanks!

What part of NM do you live in, and do you like it there? NM is one state I am seriously thinking of moving to once I have my NP program done (not for a couple years...)

Thanks!

I'm in Las Cruces. Haven't had much time to get out yet but plan to this weekend. Cold at nights right now but nice during the day. Not many trees like in the Piney woods of East Texas, but it's nice to see so much sky and mountains. Not much grass either but desert is growing on me.

So, for totally independent states we have:

Alaska

Montana

Idaho

Arizona

Washington

New Mexico

I'm in Las Cruces. Haven't had much time to get out yet but plan to this weekend. Cold at nights right now but nice during the day. Not many trees like in the Piney woods of East Texas, but it's nice to see so much sky and mountains. Not much grass either but desert is growing on me.

So, for totally independent states we have:

Alaska

Montana

Idaho

Arizona

Washington

New Mexico

Hey, I *hate* mowing the grass! LOL How cold is cold? I am from NJ, and right now it is COLD. We were down to 9 degrees F the other night. :uhoh3:

What's your area of/specialty practice? (Don't answer that if it's nosy!)

My husband said he saw the bluest sky he had ever seen when he was in NM (ABQ area).

It's 23 degrees right now at 0709, but it warms up quick. I'm a PMHNP.

Specializes in FNP.

Glad to see this thread resurface and would also like up to date info. I have always thought I was stuck here, but my dh as agreed to let his partners buy him out of the firm and suddenly the world is my oyster! I can move ANYWHERE in the US. ANYWHERE! So, where to go?

Zenman, how do you find the cultural temperature of NM? I am getting at diversity, open mindedness, etc. Arizona was on my short list until recent publicity. I cannot in god conscience raise my children in an astmosphere of hate and intolerance. I need to be able to look out my car windows and see people of different shades and colors, hear different accents and see the occasional mosque and temple, and NOT hear condemnation or judgement of same. I can't afford to live in Sedona, so Arizona is out, lol. Schools needs to be outstanding as well, although we can afford, and would probably go, private.

I prefer warm climate to freezing, but oddly, Wisconsin is also on the short list (Milwaukee area).

I want to be in/close to a metropolitan area, close to major universities, art, theater and opportunity.

I am getting at diversity, open mindedness, etc. Arizona was on my short list until recent publicity. I cannot in god conscience raise my children in an astmosphere of hate and intolerance. I need to be able to look out my car windows and see people of different shades and colors, hear different accents and see the occasional mosque and temple, and NOT hear condemnation or judgement of same.

Wow! That's harsh! This isn't a political forum, and its not my intention to turn it into one. I am an AZ native, and don't think that you have a true assessment of AZ. Yes, there has been negative stuff in the news, but when is there ever positive stuff in the news? We are a diverse state, and you will see many colors, creeds, and religions. Vacation here and give it a try. And if not, well, we have too many transplants hoggin' the place up anyway!!

Good luck and Blessings in your search! :heartbeat

Specializes in FNP.

No disrespect to AZ natives. All I know is what I see on the news, with input from one person who lived in Phoenix and found it to be "redneck." (her words). I am certain there are good people in AZ. The fact remains, that governor was duly elected, and that suggests to me that my interest and values are incompatible with the majority. Id be very happy to hear I have a misimpression, b/c real estate is dirt cheap, lol.

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