Nurse Practitioners and Public Health

In 1991, when I earned my Master of Science degree to become a family nurse practitioner (NP), it was awarded in the public health nursing division at alma mater. also lucky enough have most costs paid by Health Resources and Services Administration-funded program increase primary care NPs rural areas an agreement with employer pay for rest exchange continued employment as NP after graduation. With House Representatives (and, hopefully now, Senate) supporting Build Back Better Act, its historic support education, there will still be many opportunities secure funding APN programs providers, especially underserved areas. This welcome because, experience, fewer employers are willing nurses pursuing advanced education shortage looming future. Like me, some you may know recent graduates that not yet found their new role. Federal modeling based on 2013 data predict that, 2025, no state NPs. Surpluses range up more than 1000 full-time equivalents states.1US Department Human Services, Administration, National Center Workforce Analysis2016. State-Level Projections Supply Demand Primary Care Practitioners: 2013-2025. Rockville., Maryland2016Google Scholar analysis before pandemic, course, dependent assumptions delivery would change significantly. Given changes seen educators should interpret these predictions caution. As profession continues grow, our professional organizations proposing significant education. Along essentials recommendations from Task Force, plus challenges revealed during COVID-19 take moment stop reflect current predicted workforce needs.2American Association Colleges NursingCore Competencies Professional Nursing Education. Executive Summary. 2021.https://www.aacnnursing.org/Portals/42/AcademicNursing/pdf/Essentials-Executive-Summary.pdfGoogle Scholar,3National Force Quality Nurse Practitioner EducationStandards Education, 6th Edition. A Report 2021.https://cdn.ymaws.com/www.nonpf.org/resource/resmgr/board_resources/20210727_draft_ntfs.pdfGoogle The Future report recommends strengthening respond disasters charges programs, accreditors, Council State Boards ensure prepared address diverse emergencies.4National Academies Sciences, Engineering, Medicine; Academy Committee 2020–2030; Flaubert JL, Le Menestrel S, Williams DR, et al., editors. 2020-2030: Charting Path Achieve Equity. Washington (DC): Press (US); 2021 May 11. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK573919/Google article Outlook 2019 were only 17 graduate doctoral level (DNP) focused health. Most curriculums include population standard but expertise is needed meet goals.5Bekemeier B. Kuehnert P. Zahner S.J. Johnson K.H. Kaneshir J. Swider S.M. critical gap: Advanced practice public’s health.Nursing Outlook. 2021; 69 (965-874)Abstract Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (6) Google Although major role continue (89%),6American PractitionersNurse Practitioners Care.https://www.aanp.org/advocacy/advocacy-resource/position-statements/nurse-practitioners-in-primary-careGoogle who experts needed. We can advocate NPs, members public, build prioritize development leaders ready lead prevention, safety, disaster response, disease outbreaks. need start yesterday make sure has types available. NP’s area expertise, we can't ignore demands needs. profession, sit attention future nursing. acknowledge status educational country’s demonstrated difficulty responding national crisis plans now prepare APNs