Nurse Practitioner Guide to Locum Tenens Jobs in Arizona

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 Arizona. 

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Arizona, also known as the “Grand Canyon State,” is a land of diverse landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture. Let’s delve into the essence of Arizona and explore its unique offerings. Arizona has a rich history, with Native American tribes like the Hopi, Zuni, Navajo, and Apache have left a significant cultural imprint on the region, with 22 tribes still residing on reservations in the state. 

Spanish explorers arrived in the 1530s, and Arizona, along with present-day California, Utah, Nevada, and New Mexico, was part of Mexico until the United States gained control of the land after the Mexican-American War in 1848. Arizona became a U.S. territory in 1863 and achieved statehood on February 14, 1912, as the 48th state. 

If you love the outdoors, Arizona is the palace for you! This state is home to some of the most beautiful sights in the entire world. 

• Witness the awe-inspiring grandeur of the Grand Canyon, a natural wonder carved by the Colorado River that attracts nearly five million visitors annually.
• Explore Sedona, where the enchanting red rock formations, vibrant arts scene, and spiritual retreats will leave you wanting more. 
• Immerse yourself in the dynamic urban culture of Phoenix, where year round sun, vibrant nightlife, and world-class resorts and golf courses await.
• Venture into the stunning landscapes of Page and the neighboring Zion National Park for an unforgettable outdoor adventure.

Here are some approximate distances and travel times from Arizona to other cities and states: 

• Phoenix, Arizona to Las Vegas, Nevada: Approximately 300 miles (480 kilometers) northwest; around 4.5 to 5 hours by car. 
• Phoenix, Arizona to Los Angeles, California: Roughly 370 miles (595 kilometers) west; about 5.5 to 6 hours by car. 
• Phoenix, Arizona to Albuquerque, New Mexico: Around 420 miles (675 kilometers) east; approximately 6.5 to 7 hours by car. 
• Phoenix, Arizona to Tucson, Arizona: About 115 miles (185 kilometers) southeast; approximately 1.5 to 2 hours by car. 
• Phoenix, Arizona to Flagstaff, Arizona: Approximately 145 miles (235 kilometers) north; around 2.5 to 3 hours by car. 

Arizona’s rich history, diverse attractions, and strategic location make it an enticing place to live and work, offering a blend of cultural, natural, and historical experiences.

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

Nurse practitioners have full practice authority in the state of Arizona. This legal provision empowers NPs to perform a comprehensive array of healthcare services that are critical to patient care. Arizona law authorizes NPs to evaluate patients, diagnose, and prescribe medications and therapeutic measures. 

Can Nurse Practitioners Sign Death Certificates in Arizona?

Yes, NPs are authorized to sign death certificates in Arizona. 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 Arizona Recognize Nurse Practitioners as Primary Care Providers? 

The state of Arizona, 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 Arizona?

NPs in Arizona have reduced practice authority to prescribe and dispense medications with stipulation. The extent of this authority is contingent upon two key factors. The first factor is the specific population area that the NP has chosen to specialize in. This could range from pediatrics to geriatrics, or from cardiology to dermatology, each of which has its unique set of pharmaceutical needs. The second factor is the NP’s certification. The certification validates the NP’s competency in their chosen field, ensuring they have the necessary knowledge and skills to prescribe appropriate medications safely and effectively.

Do Nurse Practitioners Qualify for Medical Staff Membership in Arizona?

In the state of Arizona, 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 Arizona?

In the state of Arizona, 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 Arizona?

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

The state of Arizona is not actively engaged in the Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST) initiative.

Can Nurse Practitioners Sign Do Not Resuscitate Orders in Arizona?

Arizona does not require the signature of a person’s attending physician on a DNR form. Licensed healthcare providers can sign the form to acknowledge that they advised the patient, and this extends to NPs.

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

In the state of Arizona, if an APRN has less than 960 hours of practice within the past 5 years, 45 hours of continuing education in advanced pharmacology and 45 hours in subject(s) related to APRN role are required for renewal. There are no specific required CE hours for nurse practitioners.