Association of Nurse Practitioners in Business Florida Chapter

Florida ARNP Work Force Data & Trends

Posted about 11 years ago by Jean Aertker

The Florida Center for Nursing (Center) provides summaries of nurse licensure data and trend analysis for 2007, 2009, and 2011for all nurses and particularly ARNPs. (see the website)

While we have major issues in our scope of practice, (still one of two states denied the authority to have full prescribing) we are getting the job done! ARNPs who come to Florida find work situations challenging and satisfying with sufficient employment opportunities. Some may be leaving the state due to personal choice or national economy strain, those ARNPs working here are effective in keeping Floridians healthy. Despite some slowing trends, many ARNPs have been successful in getting their own practices started and thriving.

Here are some findings we pulled out that may find of interest:
  • While the potential ARNP workforce was over 14,100, only 12,800 ARNPs were working in nursing in Florida in 2010-2011, an increase of 1,500 ARNPs from 2008-2009. Thus, in 2011, 91% of the licensed ARNPs were working in nursing in Florida.
  • Today’s estimate of currently working ARNPs is over 13,500 (2013 MQA database).
  • Florida’s potential RN workforce gained 7,866 nurses between December 2009 and December 2011, a 4.2 percent increase over two years. This trend steadily grows but not as rapidly.
  • The most common employment settings for ARNPs are hospitals and health provider offices.
  • The largest proportion of ARNPs work in hospitals (43.5%, or an estimated 5,568 ARNPs). In contrast to RNs, about one-quarter of ARNPs (23.5%) work in physician or other provider offices. Other prominent employment settings for ARNPs include ambulatory care (8.9%), academic nursing education (5.1%), and public/community health (4.7%).
In 2010-2011 data revealed:
  • 21 percent of ARNPs specialized in anesthesia
  • 21 percent specialized in adult/family health, 
  • 11 percent in acute/critical care
  • 9 percent in pediatrics/neonatal
  • 7 percent in home health and
  • 6% in pediatrics and neonatal 
  • 47% of all licensed nurses in FL are age 51 or older, and these people will be retiring within 10-15 years. 
  • Clearly, we need more ARNPs to meet the needs of Floridians and practice barriers must be removed for us to do our work!