During National Nurse Practitioner Week, AANP
Applauds NPs for Their Incredible Contributions to Patient Health,
Celebrates Continued Expansion of the Workforce
AUSTIN,
Texas, Nov. 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The American
Association of Nurse Practitioners® (AANP) released new
data on the eve of National Nurse Practitioner (NP) Week affirming
the robust growth of the NP role. The ranks of NPs grew by 8.5%,
from 355,000 in 2022, to 385,000 licensed NPs in 2023. From
Nov. 12 to 18, AANP joins with
patients, health care providers and local communities in
celebrating this growth and the countless contributions made by NPs
to strengthen the health care system.
NPs can increase access to high-quality
primary, acute and mental health care for patients of all ages in
every community
"For nearly 60 years, nurse practitioners have delivered
high-quality, accessible health care to patients in urban, suburban
and rural communities," said AANP President Stephen A. Ferrara, DNP. "There are
countless stories of NPs providing lifesaving care to patients, and
AANP joins a grateful nation in recognizing the commitment of NPs
to improving access and strengthening health outcomes
everywhere."
In every state, NPs assess patients, order and interpret tests,
make diagnoses and provide treatment — including prescribing
medications. NPs can be found in clinics, hospitals, emergency
rooms, urgent care centers, nursing homes and private practices. As
clinicians who blend clinical expertise with an added emphasis on
health management, NPs bring a comprehensive perspective to health
care and are the health care provider of choice for millions of
patients in more than 1 billion health visits each year.
This year, U.S News & World Report ranked the NP
role first on its "2023 Best Jobs That Help People" list and also
first on its "2023 Best Health Care Jobs" list. Additionally,
elected leaders — including U.S. governors — are honoring NPs and
proclaiming Nov. 12-18, NP Week in
their states, districts and jurisdictions.
"NPs demonstrate unwavering dedication to patient care, often
working in underserved communities and rural areas, and NPs are
committed to improving health care outcomes, enhancing the patient
experience, ending health disparities and combating systemic racism
in health care," Oregon Gov.
Tina Kotek wrote in her
proclamation.
"In addition to clinical services, NPs focus on health
promotion, disease prevention, education and counseling, helping
guide patients to make smarter health and lifestyle choices,"
South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster wrote in his proclamation.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, NPs are the
fastest-growing jobs in the country, and the profession is
projected to grow 45% by 2032.
"As the demand for health care continues to rise, fueled by the
growth of an aging population and the continued shortage of primary
health care providers, AANP is committed to expanding and
diversifying the NP workforce," Ferrara said. "NPs can increase
access to high-quality primary, acute and mental health care for
patients of all ages in every community."
For more information on NP Week 2023, visit
aanp.org/npweek.
The American Association of Nurse
Practitioners® (AANP) is the largest professional
membership organization for nurse practitioners (NPs) of all
specialties. It represents the interests of the more than 385,000
licensed NPs in the U.S. AANP provides legislative leadership at
the local, state and national levels, advancing health policy;
promoting excellence in practice, education and research; and
establishing standards that best serve NPs' patients and other
health care consumers. As The Voice of the Nurse
Practitioner®, AANP represents the interests of NPs
as providers of high-quality, cost-effective, comprehensive,
patient-centered health care. To locate an NP in your community,
visit npfinder.com. For more information about NPs,
visit aanp.org.
View original content to download
multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/nurse-practitioner-profession-grows-to-385-000-strong-301985984.html
SOURCE American Association of Nurse Practitioners