The Distribution of Advanced Practice Nurses in Arkansas: Gaps in the Care of Rural Underserved Populations

PURPOSE To examine the relationships between advanced practice nurses' (APN) practice sites and economic factors, racial and ethnic characteristics of the populations they serve, and the likelihood of APNs practicing in underserved areas. DATA SOURCES Retrospective analysis of U. S. census data and records supplied by the Arkansas State Board of Nursing. CONCLUSIONS Nurse practitioners (NPs) were the only APN group with equal distribution in rural or urban areas. Overall, APNs and NPs were more likely to practice in counties with higher rates of poverty and lower education levels. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE More effort needs to be made in recruiting and retaining APNs in rural and underserved areas.