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.

Specializes in Adolescent Psych, PICU.

What it is like for NP's in Oklahoma?

OK but for NP's it's not as good as it could be. NP's in Texas have to have a "collaborating physician" & they can not write for schedule 2 narcotics, that requires a "triplicate carbon copy" so even some cough meds, NP's can not give. I went to FNP program at UT-El Paso. As for one of the best states to practice in- New Mexico. Np's have complete independent practice with full prescriptive priveledges. Many NP's have their own practices & have admitting priveledges at hospitals. The Board of Medicine does not regulate NP practice as in some states, The Board of Nursing regulates NP practice. Controlled substance regulation for prescriptive authority is issued by Board of Pharmacy.

New Mexico, here I come....

Specializes in OB, Cardiac.
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.

Why is Illinois so bad for NPs? Is it just the salaries? Are you talking Chicagoland area or elsewhere in the state? I want to work in Chicagoland area so I'm a bit concerned when you say IL is bad. Thanks, CLK :uhoh21:

This is my first post to the NP forum....I am in the NP program here in MO. now....I have always wanted to travel more....has anyone tried the traveling NP opportunities?

wondering where in MO you are attending for your NP. I am an ADN RN, and wanting to persue BSN, MSN, NP. Thanks for any info.

Sure would be nice to find an up to date list of NP priviledges in all states.

What it is like for NP's in Oklahoma?

I'm sure this answer is a bit late, but it SUCKS for NP's in Oklahoma. PA's totally rule in OK, b/c the PA program at OU is far bigger than the NP program. In fact, that's the only NP program in the entire state. I used to live in OK and I remember an ad for a NP at Baptist in OKC (about 5 years ago), it paid $35,000 a year! I couldn't believe it! I now live in TX and it is the polar opposite here...there are far more NP's than PA's and WE RULE!

Sure would be nice to find an up to date list of NP priviledges in all states.

Try the N.P. journal. They give out a list in every January issue.

Grannynurse

"in 12 states and the district of columbia, nps are categorized as having prescriptive authority for controlled substances, "independent of any direct physician involvement".5 in five of these twelve states (montana, new hampshire, utah, washington and wyoming), nps are still required to have indirect physician involvement, such as a joint practice agreement, physician chart review, or a consultation and referral plan."

http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qa3958/is_200403/ai_n9375726

i think you may find this link informative.

"states where nurse practitioners have prescriptive authority,according to the american academy of nurse practitioners,http://www.aanp.org/ , include: alaskawashington (state)oregonmontanaarizonanew mexicowisconsinmainenew hampshiredistrict of columbiathe remaining states require some level of collaboration in order toprescribe." http://answers.google.com/answers/threadview?id=28831

and this one is from the "dea"

http://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/drugreg/practioners/

this is a really good link as well. it breaks it down state by state.

http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/440315

this is a map from the aanp (american academy of nurse practitioners)

http://www.aanp.org/.../authority+to+prescribe+map+5-05+color.pdf

i hope this helps!!!

Specializes in Adolescent Psych, PICU.
I'm sure this answer is a bit late, but it SUCKS for NP's in Oklahoma. PA's totally rule in OK, b/c the PA program at OU is far bigger than the NP program. In fact, that's the only NP program in the entire state. I used to live in OK and I remember an ad for a NP at Baptist in OKC (about 5 years ago), it paid $35,000 a year! I couldn't believe it! I now live in TX and it is the polar opposite here...there are far more NP's than PA's and WE RULE!

Wow, thanks so much for that info. I'm working on my BSN right now and my goal is to be a NP but I also want to stay here in Oklahoma (for various reasons, mainly my aging parents) so that is a little dissapointing to hear about NP's here in Oklahoma....in fact, I hardly every see any of them around.

I will keep PA school in mind then after working as a RN for a few years...

I really liked the idea though of as a NP working under my own license, I don't like the idea as a PA working under an MD/DO but I also dont want to waste time in NP school if there are not many opportunities here too...

I have time to decide though, thanks for the response. $35,000 a year is ridiculas for an NP.

OK, this makes me VERY sad. I am in Illinois. I am originally from Texas. Is this state any better?

Can anyone steer me toward a link outlining the scope of practice in each state for NPs (independent vs collaborative)? Thanks!

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

findurpassion, you can try to link to all the bon:

list of individual states - state board of nursing

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