title: The Southern states: NPs made an impact in rural and healthcare shortage areas.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To investigate the distribution of nurse practitioners (NPs) in the U.S. Southern region with a focus on rural and underserved areas. Described in this study are the NP characteristics and their workforce distribution relative to rural and health professional shortage areas (HPSAs).
  
  
  METHODS
  
  
  
  METHODS
  A questionnaire was administered to NPs in 12 Southern states. Other data sources included (a) the Health Resources and Services Administration, which identified HPSAs; and (b) data from the U.S. Census Bureau, to distinguish urban and rural areas.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Approximately 72% of NPs worked in HPSAs and less than half of the NPs worked in the rural area. Family NPs were more likely to practice in rural and HPSAs. Employment in primary care was more likely to occur in rural and HPSAs. Racial diversity was almost nonexistent within the NP population.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This research does demonstrate that NPs are practicing in rural and underserved areas as conceived decades ago, but there is still a great demand and gap to fill. To optimize their effectiveness, NPs need to practice to the full extent of their education. Additionally, more research and strategies to help diversify the workforce is needed.
authors: University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, Arkansas.
authors: Thomas
authors: T
authors: Kippenbrock
authors: University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, Arkansas.
authors: Wen-Juo
authors: WJ
authors: Lo
authors: John Brown University, Siloam Springs, Arkansas.
authors: Ellen
authors: E
authors: Odell
authors: University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Fayetteville, Arkansas.
authors: Bill
authors: B
authors: Buron
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D008507:Medically Underserved Area; D009722:Nurse Practitioners / Q000600:supply & distribution*; D024802:Nurse's Role; D015403:Nursing Evaluation Research; D017009:Professional Autonomy; D019035:Rural Health Services; D012424:Rural Population / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D015144:Southeastern United States; D000078329:Workforce
keywords: Nurse practitioners; primary care; research; rural