Over the past 15 years, the role of advanced practice providers (APPs)—nurse practitioners and physician assistants—has grown exponentially. These skilled clinicians are now integral to healthcare teams, particularly in rural areas where care deserts and clinician shortages are most acute.
Projections indicate that APPs will make up 67.3% of the healthcare workforce by 2030, and studies show their integration into care teams improves outcomes, reduces costs, and enhances patient satisfaction. In rural inpatient programs, APPs are not just valuable—they’re essential. Here’s why, and how to ensure they’re equipped to thrive in these unique settings.
Why APPs Are a Game-Changer for Rural Hospitals
Expanding Access to Care
Rural communities face significant barriers to healthcare access. APPs help bridge these gaps by filling schedules and offering services that might otherwise be unavailable, ensuring patients receive timely care.Enhancing Continuity of Care
With their broad scope of practice, APPs guide patients through seamless care journeys, fostering better communication, engagement, and outcomes. This continuity is especially critical in areas with acute physician shortages.Fostering Collaboration
APPs are perfectly positioned to bridge gaps between healthcare professionals, round out interdisciplinary teams, and promote efficient, coordinated care delivery.Expanding Services
Rural hospitals often lack specialists, forcing patients to travel long distances for care. APPs bring expertise that expands the range of tests, treatments, and educational programs available locally.Driving Cost-Effective Care
APPs’ compensation structures and ability to fill critical care gaps make them a financially sustainable solution for rural programs with tight budgets.Boosting Patient Satisfaction
By alleviating clinician burnout and advancing patient-centered care, APPs improve interactions and outcomes, fostering trust and engagement within the community.
How to Train APPs for Success in Rural Settings
To maximize the impact of APPs, rural inpatient programs must invest in their training and support. Use these four strategies to ground your approach:
Prioritize Experience and Training
Rural healthcare demands adaptability, independence, and resilience. Seek APPs with formal training and/or extensive experience in emergency or hospitalist programs.Offer Specialized Training
For exceptional candidates who lack rural experience, consider partnering with organizations that provide focused education and hands-on experiences to prepare strong clinicians for a range of rural care scenarios.Ensure Competence in Key Procedures
APPs must be proficient in handling rural healthcare’s unique demands, from managing strokes and STEMIs to navigating trauma situations. Confidence in triaging and making patient-centric care decisions is essential.4. Provide Ongoing Support
Beyond onboarding, establish a robust support system. Involve medical directors in case reviews, real-time coaching, and mentorship to ensure APPs feel empowered and equipped to excel.
Empowering APPs, Enriching Communities
At CareCulture, we believe that empowered clinicians transform healthcare. By investing in APP training and fostering a culture of collaboration and support, rural inpatient programs can deliver more accessible, comprehensive, and patient-centered care.
APPs are more than clinicians—they are leaders, collaborators, and advocates for their communities. By equipping them to thrive, rural hospitals can strengthen their programs, improve outcomes, and ensure that every patient receives the care they deserve.
Let’s work together to cultivate excellence in rural healthcare—one patient, one provider, and one community at a time.