NPs provide essential health care in underserved populations

SAN ANTONIO – More than 222,000 licensed nurse practitioners (NPs) currently work in the United States, providing high-quality care to rural, underserved, and uninsured populations, according to data released today from the 2016 National Nurse Practitioner Sample Survey.

Survey findings show that nearly 7000 NPs currently provide care to US veterans. Nearly 15% of NPs practice in communities of less than 10,000 people, and 11,000 practice in communities of less than 2500. NPs who participated in the survey reported that approximately 1 out of every 15 patients that they see receives charitable care.

“The 2016 National Nurse Practitioner Sample Survey confirms that nurse practitioners, with their broad skill set, deliver crucial health services to millions of Americans who may not otherwise receive care,” said Cindy Cooke, DNP, FNP-C, FAANP, President of the AANP.

More than 3600 NPs participated in the 2016 National Nurse Practitioner Sample Survey. The full report is available for free to AANP members, and is accessible via the AANP website. Those who are not members may purchase the report in the AANP store.

Reference

1. NPs play major role in the provision of care to America’s most vulnerable, as the workforce exceeds 222,000 [news release]. Austin, TX: American Association of Nurse Practitioners. Published June 22, 2016. Accessed June 24, 2016.