APRNs: Rural Healthcare’s Rising Heroes

Advanced Practice Registered Nurses, or APRNs, are becoming the main support beam of healthcare. These nurses have a graduate degree, are all educated beyond Registered Nurse requirements, and become certified in a wide range of healthcare services. They have the ability to diagnose and treat illnesses, prescribe medications, and offer specialized care in various healthcare specialty fields.

These highly trained professionals help alleviate the shortage of healthcare providers in rural areas and offer comprehensive care that covers a broad spectrum of medical services. Their certifications mean they can provide care in place of Primary Care Physicians. APRNs can fill the gaps in medical personnel shortages to provide sometimes lifesaving healthcare to rural patients.

Provider Shortages in Rural Areas

There has been a shortage of physicians and nurses since the COVID-19 pandemic. The stressors of working in healthcare, combined with record numbers of patients due to COVID-19, have created burnout in hospital staff. In rural communities, the lack of healthcare professionals is felt more deeply. Patients needing specialized care may not be able to get it from their local physician's office or hospital. They may need to travel hours away to find adequate care. APRNs are filling the gaps in healthcare for rural communities. 

APRNs possess advanced training and expertise, enabling them to function as primary care providers. In acute physician shortage areas, APRNs can deliver a wide range of essential healthcare services, including diagnosing and treating common illnesses, managing chronic conditions, and providing preventive care. These expanded responsibilities allow APRNs to serve as the primary care provider in these rural areas.

Specialized Care in Rural Settings

Because of APRNs' extensive training in specialized medicine, they can care for patients who otherwise might have to travel great distances. There are several types of APRNs, including Nurse Practitioners (NPs), Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNSs), Certified Nurse-Midwives (CNMs), and Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs). These specialties make convenient care possible for rural communities.

The convenience and efficiency of having one primary care provider cannot be overstated. Patients benefit from simple communication, reduced paperwork, and fewer repetitive tests or procedures. This saves time and resources and minimizes the risk of medical errors. Patients also develop a sense of trust when dealing with one individual. Provider-patient relationships promote honesty, which can save lives.

Cost-Efficiency in Rural Areas

Medical costs are always at the forefront of patients' minds. This can be an even bigger thought for rural patients. Rural areas typically have lower population numbers than urban areas. As a result, healthcare facilities in rural settings serve a smaller patient base, making some healthcare services more expensive to cover costs.

APRNs are helping to reduce costs for patients and healthcare facilities. For patients, they emphasize preventative care and patient education. By stopping medical issues in their tracks, it saves time and money, and potentially lives. Regarding facilities, APRNs' unique certifications and qualifications make them flexible in what fields they work in. These Advanced Practice Registered Nurses can support many different areas of medicine, making them very cost-effective for physician offices and hospitals to employ.

ISAPN Supports Rural Medicine

In rural healthcare, Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) emerge as unsung heroes, transforming the landscape and quality of care delivery. These dedicated professionals bring specialized medical expertise to rural communities.

The care they deliver is not just a convenience; it's a lifeline. With a single primary care provider who becomes a trusted ally, patients receive streamlined and efficient care and a bond built on trust and familiarity. It's a connection that fosters honest communication, resulting in more effective and tailored care.

ISAPN knows how important it is APRNs are to rural communities and to the entire healthcare industry. That is why ISAPN works to provide resources to APRNs in education, certification, and mentorship. ISAPN believes that APRNs are an investment in the health and well-being of our rural communities and works to champion these heroes.

Join ISAPN today and be a part of bringing medicine to our rural communities.