Nurse Practitioner Guide to Locum Tenens Jobs in Oklahoma

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 Oklahoma.

Click here for open nurse practitioner jobs in Oklahoma!

Oklahoma’s past is a wild roller coaster ride! For centuries, it was home to vibrant Native American nations like the Cherokee and Osage. Then came the Land Runs, where folks raced on horseback to claim a patch of land.  Cowboys and cattle drives were a big deal too, but the oil boom changed everything – towns popped up overnight!  Sadly, the Dust Bowl era sent farmers fleeing in despair. Today, Oklahoma blends a spirit of resilience with a rich Native American heritage, making it a unique piece of the American story.

Oklahoma’s past is etched into its landscapes and the spirit of its people. From the echoes of tribal drums to the towering oil rigs, from windswept prairies to modern cities, the state is a living testament to a history that’s both tumultuous and triumphant.  The history books remind us that there’s a whole lot more to the Sooner State’s story!

• Western Heritage: Channel your inner cowboy at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, explore a historic cattle ranch, or catch a rodeo for the full Western experience.
• Native American Culture: Immerse yourself in the rich heritage of Oklahoma’s tribes. Visit cultural centers like the Chickasaw Cultural Center, or explore ancient mounds at Spiro Mounds Archaeological Center.
• The Great Outdoors: Hike the scenic Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge, home to bison herds, or go boating and fishing in the beautiful lakes of eastern Oklahoma.
• Route 66 Nostalgia: Get your kicks on the iconic Route 66! See quirky roadside attractions, pop into classic diners, and explore museums dedicated to the Mother Road.

• Kansas: Oklahoma shares its entire northern border with Kansas. The distance from central Oklahoma to the Kansas border is negligible. 
• Texas: Oklahoma’s long southern border is formed by the Red River, across which sits Texas. The distance from central Oklahoma to the Texas border is approximately 150 miles. 
• Arkansas: Oklahoma shares a portion of its eastern border with Arkansas. The distance from central Oklahoma to the Arkansas border is around 180 miles.

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

In the state of Oklahoma, the scope of practice for NPs is subject to certain limitations imposed by state law. This means that the ability of NPs to provide healthcare services to patients is not as unrestricted as it might be in other states. The law stipulates that a collaborative agreement must be established between physicians and NPs. This agreement is a formal arrangement that outlines the working relationship between the two parties. It delineates the roles and responsibilities of each party, and it is required for one or more elements of NP practice.

Can Nurse Practitioners Sign Death Certificates in Oklahoma?

The state of Oklahoma does not allow nurse practitioners to sign patient’s death certificates. Oklahoma only permits licensed physicians to sign death certificates. The responsibility of signing death certificates is strictly reserved for licensed physicians. Despite the broad scope of practice for other healthcare professionals in the state, including PAs and NPs, they are not authorized to sign death certificates.

Does Oklahoma Recognize Nurse Practitioners as Primary Care Providers? 

The state of Colorado, 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 Oklahoma?

In the state of Ohio, NPs are not authorized to prescribe schedule II controlled substances. Schedule II drugs have a high potential for abuse, with use potentially leading to severe psychological and/or physical dependence, therefore some states only allow physicians to prescribe them. 

Do Nurse Practitioners Qualify for Medical Staff Membership in Oklahoma?

In the state of Oklahoma, 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 Oklahoma?

In the state of Oklahoma, 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 Oklahoma?

Yes! Nurse practitioners are authorized to certify disability for parking placards in the state of Oklahoma. 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 Oklahoma? 

No, nurse practitioners are not authorized to sign POLST forms in the state of Oklahoma. These forms are designed to communicate a patient’s wishes regarding life-sustaining treatment. They are typically used in situations where a patient has a serious illness or is near the end of life. The forms provide specific medical orders that are to be followed by healthcare providers, ensuring that the patient’s wishes are honored. 

Can Nurse Practitioners Sign Do Not Resuscitate Orders in Oklahoma?

Nurse practitioners are not authorized to sign Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) orders in the state of Oklahoma. 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 Oklahoma?

In Oklahoma, NPs are required to fulfill 24CE hours every two years. This requirement is designed to guarantee that Nurse Practitioners (NPs) continually enhance their expertise and abilities, keep up with the most recent advancements in their profession, and deliver top-tier patient care.