Expert Interviews, Guides & Advocacy Issues in Nursing

The Nursing Colleges blog interviews experts in the nursing field about the most important topics in modern nursing, and where they think they’re headed. Through expert interviews, we explore the top advocacy issues in nursing, and spotlight the nurses who are leading the charge for change. 

Our features section also offers new and aspiring nurse practitioners (NPs), advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs), and other nurses the key resources and guides they need to help navigate the early stages of their education, training, licensure, and career. Our blog catches readers up on the most interesting conversations in nursing today, and gives them ways to join in, too.

By Rachel Drummond, MEd Calendar Icon September 11, 2023

Nurse Executive Professional Certification Guide

A nurse executive is a highly experienced nursing professional with leadership roles within a healthcare organization. They are responsible for strategic planning, policy-making, and overall management of nursing staff in their organization. Their duties often include developing and implementing nursing standards and policies, overseeing patient care services, managing budgets, and driving quality improvement initiatives.

By Sophia Khawly, MSN Calendar Icon August 7, 2023

Are LPNs/LVNs Still Needed?

Due to the aging Baby Boomer population, the need for LPNs is greater today than ever. LPNs are more affordable for medical facilities and are an important aspect of the interdisciplinary team.

By Kimmy Gustafson Calendar Icon July 19, 2023

The Uses of Artificial Intelligence in Nursing & Healthcare

Technology integration is vital in improving patient outcomes as the healthcare industry evolves. Artificial intelligence (AI) is quickly becoming integrated into the healthcare industry today. Applications vary from facilitating administrative tasks to improving patient care by offering accurate, predictive analytics. AI has provided new opportunities to enhance patient care and health outcomes in nursing.

By Sophia Khawly, MSN Calendar Icon July 10, 2023

Being a Good Nurse Preceptor – What to Know

A preceptor is an experienced licensed nurse who supervises and teaches nursing students during their clinical rotations or new graduate nurses during orientation. These preceptors have several years of experience and are active employees in the healthcare setting and not direct employees of the school or university.

By Matt Zbrog Calendar Icon June 23, 2023

Guide to NP Specialty Fellowships

Nurse practitioner (NP) fellowships are postgraduate programs that help NPs gain proficiency in a particular specialty. There’s a gap between the electives taken in one’s MSN or DNP program and the skills needed to work in a subspecialty area; fellowships fill it.

By Kimmy Gustafson Calendar Icon June 2, 2023

Diversity, Inclusion, and Health Disparities in American Healthcare

The healthcare industry increasingly recognizes the need for diversity, inclusion, and health equity. Physicians face a unique challenge when addressing health disparities among diverse patient populations. To better understand how to create an inclusive environment in healthcare settings, examining the current state of diversity, inclusion, and health disparities is necessary.

By Matt Zbrog Calendar Icon May 8, 2023

NP Advocates to Know: Dr. Michael Zychowicz on Veterans’ Care

There are over 19 million veterans in the United States. Their health needs are largely met by the US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), which houses the largest integrated healthcare system in the country. Today’s nurses and nurse practitioners (NPs) are important in caring for our nation’s veterans. But more can be done to serve those who have served.

By Matt Zbrog Calendar Icon April 19, 2023

Complementary and Integrative Health (CIH) – What Nurses Should Know

More than 30 percent of adults and 12 percent of children use alternative or complementary treatments. Such treatments generally fall into three categories: nutritional, psychological, or physical interventions.

By Matt Zbrog Calendar Icon April 11, 2023

Guide to Remote Nurse Practitioner Jobs

The maturation of telehealth services has opened up an entirely new sector of remote nurse practitioner jobs. Today, NPs can perform basic patient assessments, devise treatment strategies, and order diagnostics for patients via remote video conferencing software. But telehealth positions aren’t the only nurse practitioner jobs that offer a remote work setup.

By Matt Zbrog Calendar Icon March 28, 2023

Are Medication Shortages Widespread? How Nurses Handle This Issue

A medication shortage is when the projected demand for a certain drug exceeds its supply. Local shortages are common, taking place at a single pharmacy or hospital, and can be resolved relatively easily. National shortages are comparatively rarer, but they do exist, and they can take much longer to resolve.