We’re all familiar with Halloween and Independence Day, but at Ultimate Locum Tenens, we’re proud to spread word about a less widely known holiday occurring November 9-15th, 2014—National Nurse Practitioner Week!
This holiday provides us all an opportunity to recognize the massive impact that Nurse Practitioners make on our healthcare system and individual lives every day. According to the American Association of Nurse Practitioners, there are nearly 200,000 practicing NPs in our country right now, providing much-needed medical support to physicians as well as quality care that can make a difference in the lives of patients nationwide.
In fact, the number of nurse practitioners is on the rise. Experts predict the field to encompass roughly 244,000 NPs by 2025 in response to several issues:
- A shortage of physicians
- An increase in the overall population
- Aging Baby Boomers
- More patients in the healthcare system due to the Affordable Care Act
Nurse Practitioners are on the front lines of patient care and may be the solution to a flooded healthcare system. They possess the ability to provide full care including diagnostic testing, prescribing medications, treating chronic and acute conditions, and managing overall patient health. In addition,
- Nearly 90% of Nurse Practitioners are prepared in primary care
- More than 44% of NPs possess hospital privileges
- 97.2% of NPs prescribe medications
- 70% of Nurse Practitioners see at least 3 patients per hour
- A mere 2% of Nurse Practitioners have been involved in malpractice cases as primary defendants
- Nurse Practitioners are required to have at least six years of academic and clinical preparation
With more than 916 million visits made to Nurse Practitioners every year, it’s apparent that qualified NPs are an integral part of the healthcare system. This National Nurse Practitioner Week, join Ultimate Locum Tenens in celebrating the many qualified Nurse Practitioners who make a difference in the lives of patients and healthcare organizations around the nation!