Nursing is one of the fastest growing professions in the country, and their rapid growth is changing the face of healthcare.
According to the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP), there are more than 385,000 practicing nurses in the United States, and the total number of nurse practitioners in the United States is expected to continue to grow. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 45% increase in the number of available roles and 118,600 jobs between 2022 and 2032.
According to the Washington Nursing Center, there are 7,390 practicing nurses living in Washington state.
Although Washington state law allows NPs to practice within the scope of their license and training, there is still a need to raise awareness of the role of NPs and the value they bring to the health care system, especially among individual health systems and health care organizations. It states that further efforts are needed to increase this. WSNA President and Family Nurse Practitioner Justin Gill, DNP, RN, ARNP;
One concern, Gill said, is that even though the Washington Labor and Industry Plan and the Medicaid plan offer comparable reimbursement, NPs may be underserved by some private insurance companies to provide the same services as physicians. This means that they are often reimbursed at a lower rate. WSNA has supported legislative efforts led by ARNPs United in Washington state demanding equal health insurance payments.
“WSNA continues to support efforts to advance the role of NPs in Washington state. This week, we celebrate and recognize this important group in the nursing profession.”
Check out WSNA’s continuing education module It provides information to ARNPs regarding the legal and regulatory requirements for maintaining licensure and practicing in a professional practice environment in Washington State.
To network with more NPs, visit: ARNPS United of Washington State.
