Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on APRN practice: Results from a national survey

BACKGROUND: The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) practice is not well known. PURPOSE: This study aimed to describe state practice barriers and explore the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on APRN practice. METHODS: A descriptive study design used a 20-item web-based survey open from June 1 through September 23, 2020. FINDINGS: A total of 7,467 APRNs responded from all 50 states, including nurse practitioners (n = 6,478, 86.8%), certified registered nurse anesthetists (n = 592, 7.9%), certified nurse-midwives (n = 278, 3.7%), and clinical nurse specialists (n = 242, 3.2%). A number of barriers to practice prior to the pandemic were identified. Most respondents (n = 6334, 84.8%) identified that practice barriers limited the ability of APRNs to provide care during the pandemic. DISCUSSION: Barriers to APRN practice continue to restrict aspects of patient care and patient access to care, even in states with Full Practice Authority (FPA), during the COVID-19 pandemic and with state executive orders waiving practice restrictions. The study findings can be used to advocate for policy changes to support APRN practice authority.