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Highlighting Myriad Benefits of Nurse Practitioners for National NP Week

This week, November 12–18, is designated National Nurse Practitioner Week. All of us at All Star Healthcare Solutions extend our heartfelt appreciation to the dedicated nurse practitioners (NPs) across the country. Your presence at hospitals, clinics, group practices, and other healthcare organizations means greater access to high-quality care.

Here, a couple of our recruiters comment on the impact NPs make on patients, communities, co-workers, and of course, All Star.

• Nurse practitioners boost patient satisfaction.

A 2021 survey found patient satisfaction scores increased for hospitals that staffed nurse practitioners. Patients indicated a better perception of quality of care as well as a more effective ability to care for themselves upon discharge from inpatient stays. Also, having NPs in a facility’s staffing mix reduces wait times.

“Facilities want providers who are driven to give high-quality care and make a difference in people’s lives,” says Sadie Fermin, a senior recruiter in All Star’s Direct-Hire Division. “On average, NPs spend a great deal of time interacting with patients and oftentimes are the first providers people see.”

“My favorite aspect of working with NPs is seeing how genuine and warm these providers are,” adds Steven Lewin, a Locums recruiter. “One provider told me about the appreciation she felt from the community because they valued the time she spent with patients, thoroughly explaining their care.”

• Nurse practitioners fill the need at rural facilities.

The American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) reports NPs account for one quarter of all primary care providers in rural areas. They enable greater access to healthcare services closer to home for residents in these regions. That said, nurse practitioners, with full-practice authority in 27 states, function in a variety of specialties and settings, such as women’s and maternal health clinics.

“We also see locum tenens jobs in large hospital systems and urgent care centers,” notes Lewin. “There’s demand for every specialty area.”

• Nurse practitioners support co-workers.

Whether practicing as locum tenens providers or in permanent staff positions, NPs serve as an effective tool for staff retention. When NPs take on a portion of the caseload, it reduces the risk of burnout among physicians. With nurse practitioners assuming a lead in primary care, for example, doctors have more bandwidth to concentrate on higher acuity cases, a focus some clinicians say promotes career satisfaction.

“Nurse practitioners look for a supportive work environment. They want a place that values and recognizes a team player,” said Fermin. “And of course, they want to enjoy what they’re doing.”

If your facility seeks to add nurse practitioners to your staffing strategy, or if you’re an NP looking for a new position, All Star is ready to assist for both direct-hire and locum tenens. As a full-service agency, our consultants collaborate efforts to meet providers’ and clients’ needs. To get the process started today, call All Star Healthcare Solutions at 800-928-0229, or contact us online.