Results are in from the 2015 survey of advanced practice nursing in Washington state

New study findings about Advanced Practice Nurses (NPs, CNMs, CRNAs) highlight the “good news” and “bad news” about our workforce in Washington state. According to information from the Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission, the number of ARNP licenses in 2015 rose to 6,294, up from 3,150 in 2006.

A recent study of ARNPs conducted by Dr. Louise Kaplan and Dr. Marie Annette Brown, with support from the Washington State Nurses Association and Washington Center for Nursing, reported that 57 percent of the sample were age 50 or older and that there is great potential for a large number of retirements in the next five years, as 29 percent of survey respondents were age 60 and older.

These retirements could create a wave of open positions available for ARNPs, and highlight the need to prepare for significant workforce changes. Key preparation will include transitional planning; as the elder generation transitions out of the workforce and the next generation enters, balance will be important. Potential systems to examine might include mentorship and coaching for newer practitioners, expanded access to education on emerging technology for established professionals, and part-time opportunities for experienced ARNPs who still have much to offer as touchstones of the nursing community.

About the Survey

The 2015 ARNP Survey Report briefly summarizes data about workforce demographics, salaries and practice patterns of Advanced Practice Nurses in Washington state.

Of the 5,503 ARNPs living in Washington, Oregon and Idaho invited to participate in the survey, 1,402 completed the questionnaire for a response rate of 26 percent. The survey was sent through regular mail and was available online. Only currently practicing ARNPs completed the section of the questionnaire related to practice.

Key Findings from the 2015 ARNP Survey

• ARNPs are predominately white (92%) females (86%) and average 50.5 years of age
• Almost all ARNPs (94%) have a graduate degree (master’s or doctorate)
• Family nurse practitioners represent the largest group of ARNPs
• The top two locations of practice are a healthcare office/clinic owned by a health care system or organization (28%) or independent/privately owned practice (19%)
• Eleven percent own their own practice alone or with others
• Almost half (45%) of respondents provide primary care
• The average percentage of time worked in providing direct patient care was 61%
• Two-thirds (68%) were moderately or very satisfied with their current position
• Average salary for an ARNP who works full time (35 or more hours a week) is $108,581
• Nearly half (46%) of participants prescribe a moderate amount or a great deal of schedule II-V controlled substances
• Less than 1% frequently provide medical marijuana authorizations and only 6% seldom or occasionally provide them
• A majority of respondents (61% of practicing and 77% of non-practicing) support changing the licensing title from ARNP to Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN), a recommendation of the APRN Consensus Model

Dr. Kaplan and Dr. Brown, both practicing family nurse practitioners and university faculty, believe the survey data will assist Washington ARNPs to improve their salaries, work environment and job satisfaction. Results may also be used to predict and plan for the education, utilization and employment of Washington State ARNPs.

WSNA began collaborating with Dr. Marie Annette Brown to create the first Washington State Advanced Practice Nurses Survey in 1986. Since then, Dr. Louise Kaplan and Dr. Brown have completed multiple WA state ARNP surveys. The publications from their work have prompted other states across the country to launch similar efforts, in another example of the way that WSNA has led the way for Advanced Practice Nursing in Washington state.