3. How does access to NPs impact any healthcare disparities?

There are numerous healthcare disparities today, especially in our rural communities. These disparities can be related to race, poverty, our environment, access to healthcare, behavioral factors, and education (Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 2023). In our rural community race, poverty, and having access to healthcare seem to be our biggest factors. Research shows that nurse practitioners (NP) can assist in reducing health disparities in primary care, especially with people of color (Plemmons et al., 2023). NPs are known for providing high quality healthcare using a patient centered approach, making the care equitable for everyone (Plemmons et al., 2023). Education is another skill the NPs use to improve patient outcomes. Due to their care being centered on communication and relationships, the NP is able to explain and discuss the patient’s health on a variety of levels of understanding, increasing compliance with treatment among their patients. NPs appear to spend more time with patients which allows them to have a clearer picture of the patient’s overall environment and goals towards their own healthcare. This relationship makes a huge difference in patient care. Giving NPs full practice authority would help our rural communities have access to quality healthcare because NPs don’t usually mind working in underserved areas. Their focus is on the care of the patient, no matter the location. NP are useful tools that should be utilized to close healthcare gaps and reduce healthcare disparities in our county, our state, and our country.