By Kathy Baldridge, DNP, FNP-BC, FAANP

Prescribing medications for off-label use is a common practice. But is it a wise one for nurse practitioners? The term “off label” refers to the practice of prescribing a medication for a condition, population, or in a dosage that has not been approved by the …

How do I make the smartest decision about attending a review course right now? How can I stay focused and motivated if I’m unsure of my testing date?

These are common questions we’re asked by NP students and recent graduates who are navigating the unique challenges of preparing for boards …

By Kathy Baldridge, DNP, FNP-BC, FAANP

Building upon the strong foundations of the nursing model, APRNs can diagnose patients, prescribe medications, and initiate and manage patient treatments. Another distinctive difference from that of our nursing foundation is the ability to bill and be reimbursed for healthcare services, making APRNs “revenue-visible.”

Federal …

What exactly is a live webinar?

A webinar is a live virtual event that is delivered online. Webinars are a way for participants in many different locations to see and hear a live presentation remotely. Webinar software enables interactive participation through chat boxes and Q&A features. Participants view the presenter …

Thinking about a review course or clinical update in 2020? Look no further than APEA. Since 1997, we have prepared thousands of NP students for success on the certification exams. Our course is so effective and enjoyable that many attendees return for clinical updates and contact hours. Check out our …

NP students seeking to certify with the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) as adult-gerontology primary care nurse practitioners (AGPCNPs) will see a new exam content breakdown starting in December 2019. ANCC recently announced that a new exam blueprint will go into effect on Dec. 16.

As it did with its exam …

The nurse practitioner role is 54 years old and gaining considerable steam each year. It’s no surprise that nurses are clamoring to enroll in nurse practitioner education programs: The profession offers opportunities that are rewarding in terms of salary and job satisfaction.

For students in the nation’s approximately 400 NP programs, …

The American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) recently published a new blueprint for its family nurse practitioner exam that will significantly change how FNP students prepare for ANCC certification. The blueprint implements new content domains that reflect a move toward more clinical content and significantly less questioning on professional role topics. …

One of the most common questions asked by new nurse practitioners is about the proper way to list professional degrees and credentials. The display of your degrees and credentials on the signage in your practice setting, on your business cards, and on the medication prescriptions you write is an important …

In today’s mobile world, we use apps for all kinds of reasons. Apps can help us keep track of our bank account, our favorite sports teams, and the whereabouts of family and friends. Apps can also help NPs and NP students find and apply essential information for the assessment and …

Note: On Aug. 14, 2019, APEA posted a new blog about the ANCC exam blueprint for adult-gerontology primary care NPs, which will take effect Dec. 16, 2019. Find that post here.

As family nurse practitioner students and adult-gerontology nurse practitioner students near the end of their programs, most arrive at …

Note: This blog post was updated on March 4, 2019, to reflect a significant change in the blueprint for the ANCC exam for FNPs that will take effect May 22, 2019.

The concerns surface every year: questions about rumored “new” versions of the AANP and ANCC certification exams for FNP and …