The NP Insider

A blog for the nurse practitioners of today
...and tomorrow

NP Resource Articles
Identifying first steps for meeting the National Task Force Standards for Quality NP Education


By Lindsey Luther, DNP, FNP-C, CNE


New academic standards for nurse practitioner programs have moved competency-based education, curriculum relevance, and increased clinical practice experiences into priority focus. Meeting these and other requirements in the 2022 Standards for Quality Nurse Practitioner Education (NTF Standards, 6th edition) requires faculty to rethink …

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Meet the APEA faculty: Jennifer B. Smith, MSN, APRN, FNP-C, ENP-C

Advice from APEA Nurse Practitioner Education Specialist Jennifer Smith


Jennifer Smith is a family nurse practitioner with clinical experience in multiple settings, including primary care and emergency medicine. She teaches the APEA Review Course & Clinical Update for FNPs and AGPCNPs and has earned dual certification as a family nurse practitioner …

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Why did family nurse practitioner pass rates decline?

Contributing factors include pivoting curriculum delivery and pandemic-related trauma


Certification data for 2022 show that pass rates for family nurse practitioner candidates dropped by 10% on one of the two available exams — the most significant decline in the history of this certification.

Pass rates for the FNP exam from the …

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New standards for NP education emphasize competency, more clinical hours, and outcome measures

An Overview of the 2022 NTF Standards


Nurse practitioner education programs in the United States are now tasked with meeting a new set of standards designed to ensure quality in the academic preparation of NPs. The National Task Force (NTF) for Quality Nurse Practitioner Education endorsed the standards and released them …

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Implications of Off-Label Prescribing

Implications of Off-Label Prescribing

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 …

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Preparing for Boards During & After Covid

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 …

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APEA Live Webinar Course FAQs

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 …

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Should I Take the AANP or ANCC Certification Exam?

AANP or ANCC Certification Exam?

As family nurse practitioner students and adult-gerontology nurse practitioner students near the end of their programs, most arrive at the following question: Which certification exam should I take? As the leader in NP certification preparation since 1997, APEA has developed a deep understanding of the differences …

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