Preparing the Next Generation of Nurse Practitioners

Creative solutions are required to grow the nurse practitioner (NP) workforce essential to meet the health needs of the nation. NP programs are best served by filling NP faculty positions with practicing NPs. Clinical practice changes rapidly. Continued immersion in the clinical world allows faculty to present up-to-the minute practice guidelines and to realistically present the challenges and opportunities inherent in the NP role. However, the demands of the clinical and teaching roles are frequently at odds. To overcome this chasm, partnerships between clinical sites and academia will be necessary, along with renewed thinking about educational program structure and demands.