Nurse Practitioner Programs in Nebraska: Facts & Figures

The nursing shortage in Nebraska continues to grow, and it’s not due to lack of interest in the profession. The number of students applying to nursing programs continues to grow, but due to a lack of enough faculty, nearly half of the applicants are turned away. Huge numbers of aging baby boomers will increase the demand for nurses dramatically, and not only will they need additional care; they will need more advanced care as well. This means that the demand for advanced practice nurses, such as nurse practitioners, will also continue to grow.

It is expected that by 2020, Nebraska will need more than 3,800 new nurses to keep up with demand. The Nebraska Board of Nursing currently offers professional licenses for nurses at the following levels:

• Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
• Licensed Practical Nurse – Certified (LPN-C)
• Registered Nurse (RN)
• Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN)
  • Clinical Nurse Specialist (APRN-CNS)
  • Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (APRN-CRNA)
  • Nurse Practitioner (APRN-NP)
  • Certified Nurse Midwife (APRN-CNM)
  • Medication Aide
  • Nurse Aide

Nursing Licensure in Nebraska

Each state mandates its own set of nursing licensure requirements, and the nursing board is responsible for regulating the profession. The Nebraska Board of Nursing operates under the Nebraska Department of Health & Human Services (DHHS) and issues licenses to individuals who have completed the necessary requirements. In order to practice as a professional nurse in the state of Nebraska, you must first fulfill the following:

1. Graduate from an approved nursing program
2. Pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX)
3. Complete 20 contact hours within your license renewal period
4. Renew your license every two years

Advanced practice nurses should note that requirements to maintain eligibility also vary by state. In general, your area of specialty within the field will determine the necessary requirements that must be met.

Average Nursing Salaries in Nebraska

All salary data is as of May 2011.

According to The Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary for a registered nurse in Nebraska is $58,060. When compared to the national average of $69,110, Nebraska’s numbers are substantially lower. More than 19,000 registered nurses practice in Nebraska, with the majority working throughout its three major metropolitan areas. The smallest metropolitan area, Sioux City, IA-NE-SD, holds an average salary of $46,010. This is only two-thirds the amount of the U.S. average and is $23,000 lower.