Nurse Practitioner Guide to Locum Tenens Jobs in Arkansas

Imagine for a moment that you are stuck in traffic on your way to work, bored of the same monotonous routine, and looking to experience new scenery and culture. Then, your phone vibrates. It’s your Barton recruiter with the answer. They share a new listing with great pay, your dream schedule, and it will start at a time that fits your current life. The only problem is that it is in Arkansas which you know very little about. That’s where Barton comes in!

What You Need to Know About Arkansas as a Locum Tenens Physician Assistant?

Our recruiters and staffing specialists do not expect you, the provider, to know ins-and-outs of every state in the country. To help you make an informed decision, we’ve compiled information from TripAdvisor, state government pages, and tourist information sources to give you a glimpse into life in Arkansas.

Click here for open nurse practitioner jobs in Arkansas!

Arkansas: A Brief History

Arkansas, the “Natural State,” is rich in history and natural beauty. Established as the 25th state in 1836, Arkansas boasts a diverse heritage, from Native American cultures to the Civil War. The state is known for its natural wonders, including the Ozark Mountains, the Hot Springs National Park, and the famous Crater of Diamonds State Park, the only public diamond mine in the United States. 

The eastern region of Arkansas, part of the Mississippi Delta, has been a significant influence on the development of the blues genre of music. The state’s musical heritage is celebrated through events like the King Biscuit Blues Festival in West Helena. Arkansas offers a compelling blend of history, natural beauty, and cultural experiences, making it an attractive destination for work and leisure. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, nature lover, or simply seeking new adventures, Arkansas welcomes you with its diverse and captivating offerings

What is there to do and see in Arkansas?

  • Visit historical sites such as the birthplace of President Bill Clinton, the Historic Washington State Park, and the Crater of Diamonds State Park. 
  • Take a trip to Little Rock for its iconic Civil Rights sites, and head to Fort Smith for a deeper understanding of the region’s history.
  • Families can enjoy a pumpkin-themed road trip, visiting family-owned farms for activities like hay rides, corn mazes, and farm animal petting.
  • Explore Arkansas’s state parks, including Petit Jean State Park, Mount Nebo, and Mount Magazine State Park for stunning views and outdoor activities. Make sure to stop at Hot Springs National Park to take a dip in their famous natural hot springs.

How close is Arkansas to other cities and states?

  • Little Rock, Arkansas to Memphis, Tennessee: Approximately 140 miles east; around 2 to 2.5 hours by car.
  • Little Rock, Arkansas to Dallas, Texas: Roughly 320 miles southwest; about 4.5 to 5 hours by car.
  • Little Rock, Arkansas to Oklahoma City, Oklahoma: Around 340 miles west; approximately 5 to 5.5 hours by car. 
  • Little Rock, Arkansas to St. Louis, Missouri: About 280 miles north; approximately 4 to 4.5 hours by car.
  • Little Rock, Arkansas to Jackson, Mississippi: Approximately 200 miles southeast; around 3 to 3.5 hours by car.

Arkansas’ rich history, natural beauty, and location make it an enticing place to live and work. 

Nurse Practitioner Scope of Practice In Arkansas

What is the Scope of Practice for Nurse Practitioners in Arkansas?

In the state of Arkansas, the accessibility to Nurse Practitioner (NP) care is significantly influenced by the existing state legislation. The law stipulates that a collaborative agreement must be established between physicians and NPs for one or more aspects of NP practice. This collaborative agreement is a formal partnership that outlines the working relationship between the physician and the NP, including the roles and responsibilities of each party.

Can Nurse Practitioners Sign Death Certificates in Arkansas?

Yes, NPs are authorized to sign death certificates in Arkansas. This responsibility is a significant part of their role in healthcare, as it involves the official documentation of a patient’s death. The ability to sign death certificates not only underscores the trust and recognition of the competence of NPs in the healthcare system, but it also facilitates the timely and efficient processing of these vital records. 

Does Arkansas Recognize Nurse Practitioners as Primary Care Providers? 

The state of Arkansas, through its statutes and administrative codes, acknowledges the role of nurse practitioners as primary care providers. This recognition is a testament to the evolving landscape of healthcare delivery, where the traditional roles are being expanded to meet the increasing demand for primary care services.

Can Nurse Practitioners Independently Prescribe Schedule II Drugs in Arkansas?

In the state of Arkansas, NP prescriptive authority for Schedule II controlled substances is limited to hydrocodone combination products and opioids and stimulants under specific requirements. Hydrocodone is a powerful opioid medication used to treat severe pain, and it is often combined with other substances, such as acetaminophen, to enhance its effectiveness. NPs are authorized to prescribe these combination products under the regulations governing their practice.

Do Nurse Practitioners Qualify for Medical Staff Membership in Arkansas?

In the state of Arkansas, the composition of medical staff within healthcare facilities is not arbitrarily decided. Instead, it is determined by a set of rules and regulations known as facility bylaws. These bylaws are essentially a legal document that governs the operation of the facility and outlines the responsibilities and privileges of the medical staff.

Can Nurse Practitioners Order Physical Therapy in Arkansas?

In the state of Arkansas, nurse practitioners are granted full authority to order physical therapy for their patients. This is a significant aspect of their role in the healthcare system, allowing them to provide comprehensive care. A NP can assess a patient’s need for such a treatment, and then order it accordingly. 

Can Nurse Practitioners Sign Handicap Parking Permit Forms in Arkansas?

Yes! Nurse practitioners are authorized to certify disability for parking placards in the state of Arkansas. NPs can assess a patient’s physical condition and determine whether their disability qualifies them for a parking placard. 

Can Nurse Practitioners Sign POLST/POST/MOLST/MOST/COLST Forms in Arkansas? 

NPs in the state of Arkansas are not permitted so sign POLST forms. The POLST form is a critical document that outlines a patient’s preferences for end-of-life care. It is designed to ensure that a patient’s wishes are honored by all healthcare providers, across different healthcare settings. Despite the significant role that NPs play in patient care, they are not authorized to sign the POLST form in Arkansas.

Can Nurse Practitioners Sign Do Not Resuscitate Orders in Arkansas?

Nurse practitioners have limited authorization to sign Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) orders in the state of Arkansas. DNR orders are typically signed by a physician after a detailed discussion with the patient or the patient’s healthcare proxy or legal guardian. This conversation involves a comprehensive understanding of the patient’s medical condition, prognosis, and personal wishes regarding end-of-life care.

What are the Continuing Education Requirements for Nurse Practitioners in Arkansas?

In the state of Arkansas, NPs must complete 20 CE hours. The purpose of this requirement is to ensure that NPs are consistently updating their knowledge and skills, staying abreast of the latest developments in their field, and providing the highest quality of care to their patients.

Find Your Next Nurse Practitioner Job with Barton

Barton coordinates your job search from start to finish!

1

TALK WITH A REP

We’ll schedule a phone consultation with a Barton Associates team member to discuss your interests, goals, and work history in order to get a sense of what you’re looking for in your next job.

Your Barton team will then go to work, compiling a list of open jobs in our extensive network that match your interests and skill set.

2

REVIEW YOUR OPTIONS

Once you’ve had a chance to evaluate your list of opportunities, your Barton rep will submit your information to facility you want to take an assignment at.

If there’s a match, we’ll work with the client manager on next steps.

3

START YOUR JOB!

Don’t worry! Barton Associates will handle licensing, credentialing, and travel arrangements before you arrive.

Your Barton rep will also work with your new facility to ensure you’re set up and ready to go on day one.

LEARN MORE

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