The Hawaii State Center for Nursing (HSCN) recently released the 2017 Nursing Workforce Report announcing that the number of advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) in the state has doubled since 2005. APRNs are registered nurses with graduate education, specialized certifications, and advanced nursing licensure.

The HSCN is a part of the School of Nursing and Dental Hygiene at the University of Hawaii at Manoa. It serves all licensed nurses in the state through partnerships and programs with nursing schools and employers. With a shortage of nurses and primary care providers progressing nationwide, Hawaii will benefit greatly from the increase in APRNs, especially given that half of all Hawaii APRNs work in primary-care related specialities. Many of these APRNs work in remote and rural areas providing primary care services to areas of the state affected by provider shortages.

The increase in APRNs has been largely attributed to the enactment of legislation authorizing APRNs to work to the fullest extent of their education and training, allowing them to work as primary care providers who are licensed to perform health promotion, diagnose and manage acute and chronic illnesses, make referrals for specialized care, and prescribe treatments and medication.

The 2017 Nursing Workforce Report also includes a detailed picture of the nursing workforce, including demographics, employment settings, practice specialties, academic preparation, and areas of practice. To view the full report, visit www.hawaiicenterfornursing.org/data-reports/.

Christina Morgan
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