It’s a well-known fact that health officials are projecting a severe shortage of health care professionals over the next decade, but 2019 is looking bright for Nurse Practitioners (NPs) - and their recruiters. 

Nursing occupations are some of the most lucrative careers in the U.S., plus they have one of the lowest unemployment rates.

In fact, the industry is expected to grow at more than double the rate of other occupations, per the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). They predict the NP field will grow by 36 percent by the year 2024, and a whopping 56,100 new positions will be added. That growth rate is five times the national average for occupations, so job security for NPs is very good. Further, with a median salary of $103,880, NPs are paid well for their work and have an unemployment rate of 0.7%. 

Nurse Practitioners rank #4 of 100 Best Jobs in the US in 2018

The BLS data takes in NPs (also known as advance practice registered nurses or APRNs) and Registered Nurses, but it’s important for to note that NPs, rank #4 in the 100 Best Jobs from US News & World Report. They’re also ranked #3 in Best Health Care Jobs. Per US News, the highest-paid 10 percent earned $140,930 and the lowest-paid 10 percent earned $72,420. “For the highest salary potential, you should consider working in the metropolitan areas of Columbus, Indiana; Vallejo, California; and San Jose, California.”

Because the average American works well into their 60’s, job satisfaction was a key consideration for the US News 100 Best Jobs rankings, as well. They ranked job satisfaction in terms of upward mobility, stress level, and flexibility and here’s how NPs came fared:

• Opportunities for advancement and salary: Average
• Work environment and complexities of the job’s responsibilities:  Average
• Alternative working schedule and a work life balance: Above Average
  
  

Last week, WalletHub also introduced their findings on 2017’s Best & Worst States for Nurses. Analysts compared the 50 states and the District of Columbia across two key dimensions: Opportunity & Competition, and Work Environment. They evaluated the dimensions using 18 relevant metrics to determine the best and worst states for nurses.

The 10 best states according to WalletHub are:

1. Maine
2. Montana
3. Washington
4. Wyoming
5. New Mexico
6. Minnesota
7. Arizona
8. New Hampshire
9. Oregon
10. Colorado 

The 10 worst states according to WalletHub are:

1. Washington DC
2. Hawaii 
3. Vermont
4. Alabama
5. Louisiana
6. Tennessee 
7. New York
8. Oklahoma
9. Mississippi
10. Ohio 

The BLM ranked states for NPs by the highest employment level and came up with these five:

1. New York
2. California
3. Florida
4. Texas
5. Ohio

Of course, NPs must first be RNs, so a bachelor’s degree in nursing is a requirement, as is passing the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN). NPs usually hold an advanced degree like a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) and have an additional certification to use the APRN title, plus board certification for their specialty. They must obtain a state-specific license. Per the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) 95.1% of Nurse Practitioners have graduate degrees and an outstanding 86.5% maintain their national certification. NPS have also been in practice an average of 12 years.

What does all of this tell recruiters? There are many NP jobs needed to be filled, many NPs entering the workforce, and they earn a nice compensation during every phase of their career. Are you using Doximity Talent Finder to recruit NPs? In early 2017, Doximity Talent Finder expanded its membership to NPs and PAs – and now counts over half of all PAs and NPs in the U.S. in its membership. To learn more, click the button and schedule a free demo.