Cites New Study from SUNY Albany School of Public Health on
Expanding Role of NPs in Providing Needed Care
Nurse Practitioner Association New York State Celebrates National Nurse Practitioner Week November 12-18
The Nurse Practitioner Association New York State (NPA) cites a new study outlining the increasing number and influence of nurse practitioners in the state as it marks National NP Week 2017. The role of nurse practitioners is being showcased during the week of November 12-18, as NPs across the country celebrate more than 50 years of practice.
“Nurse Practitioners focus not only on diagnosing and managing acute and chronic illnesses, but also on integrating evidence based practice, health promotion, disease prevention, and patient education to help patients understand their complete health picture,” says Stephen Ferrara, DNP, FNP FAANP, Associate Dean of Clinical Affairs at Columbia School of Nursing and Executive Director of The NPA. “We thank SUNY Albany’s School of Public Health for their study highlighting the professional credentials and expanding role of NPs as vital providers of health care to people throughout New York State.”
Key elements of the study, “A Profile of New York State Nurse Practitioners, 2017,” conducted by the Center for Health Workforce Studies at SUNY Albany’s School of Public Health:
• Approximately 13,000 active NPs are practicing in New York State.
• More than 90% of active NPs report holding a master’s degree or post-master’s certificate as their highest NP degree.
• The vast majority of NPs report a certification in a primary care specialty; nine percent of NPs report a certification in psychiatry.
• Just over half of NPs work in health centers, clinics, and hospital outpatient departments, while another 18% work in physician offices.
• More NPs per 100,000 population work in urban areas than in rural areas of the state.
• NPs in rural areas are more likely to provide primary care or psychiatric services than their urban counterparts.
• Forty-three percent of NPs in the state work in federally designated primary care health professional shortage areas (HPSAs).
• Nearly 70% of NPs in rural areas work in primary care HPSAs, compared with 39% of NPs in urban areas.
Prepared to meet the growing healthcare demand
Events for National NP Week across the country will acquaint citizens with the role of NPs as providers of high-quality, cost-effective, personalized health care. There are approximately 234,000 in the United States, with an additional 23,000 NP students graduating each year.
“In a population that is aging, with baby boomers becoming seniors in growing numbers over the next ten years, having choices and access to health care providers will become even more important,” Ferrara says. “As we bring visibility to the role of the NP, we are helping consumers make wise choices when selecting their health care provider.”
The Nurse Practitioner Association New York State
Nurse Practitioners (NPs) are registered nurses who have completed advanced education, at a Master’s or Doctorate level, plus additional preparation. These professionals are authorized to independently diagnose illness and physical conditions, perform therapeutic and corrective measures, order tests, prescribe medications, devices and immunizing agents, and refer patients to other health care providers. The Nurse Practitioner Association New York State (NPA), the only statewide professional association of nurse practitioners, promotes high standards of healthcare delivery through the empowerment of Nurse Practitioners and the profession throughout New York State. For more information visit the NPA.