Finding the right EHR for a nurse practitioner

Nurse practitioners play a critical role in today’s healthcare landscape. As of 2023, there are 385,000 licensed nurse practitioners (NPs) in the United States, up 8.5% from 2022.

This number is expected to grow rapidly in the coming years, with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting a 45% increase in NP jobs from 2022 to 2032—far faster than the 3% average growth for all occupations.

As their role continues to expand, EHRs in nursing have become increasingly important for streamlining workflows, improving patient care, and addressing unique practice needs.

However, selecting the right charting systems for nurses can be challenging. Nurse practitioners often express dissatisfaction with their current systems due to poor clinical workflow integration, productivity disruptions, and negative impacts on nurse-patient communication.

This guide explores the EHR experience for nurse practitioners, highlighting essential features and considerations to help them choose the ideal charting system for nurses.

The state of EHRs for nurse practitioners 

Studies consistently indicate that many nurse practitioners are dissatisfied with their EHR systems.

A report by the International Medical Informatics Association highlighted concerns about clinical workflows, communication barriers, and inadequate administrative tools. Nearly one-third of nurse practitioners surveyed reported that their EHR systems failed to meet their needs. These challenges emphasize the importance of tailored EHR solutions for nursing professionals.

Essential EHR features for nurse practitioners

Recording clinical data

A major concern among nurse practitioners is the method of recording clinical data. Many systems lack flexibility, forcing practitioners to input information in rigid formats. Electronic charting for nurses should allow both narrative and structured data entry, enabling practitioners to better capture the patient’s story and provide nuanced insights into their condition.

CMS reporting

Given that approximately 82.9% of nurse practitioners accept Medicare patients and 80.2% accept Medicaid patients, an EHR must support the collection and tracking of CMS quality reporting data. Accurate reporting not only ensures compliance but also enhances patient care by monitoring outcomes.

E-prescribing

With 95.7% of nurse practitioners holding prescriptive privileges, including controlled substances, robust e-prescribing capabilities are essential. Systems should include secure features for managing and tracking prescriptions while complying with regulatory requirements.

Use our free EHR comparison to compare systems to meet your nurse practitioner's needs

Primary care and specialty needs

Primary care features

Over 88% of licensed NPs in the U.S. are trained in primary care, and over 70% of practicing NPs provide primary care, necessitating EHRs with tailored templates for preventive care, chronic disease management, and routine checkups. Customizable templates ensure a smoother workflow and better patient outcomes.

Specialty medicine support

From pediatrics to women’s health, many nurse practitioners focus on specialty care. The right charting system for nurses should offer features and templates specific to these areas, allowing seamless documentation and data management.

Interoperability

Seamless sharing of clinical data across care settings is a priority. Interoperability is crucial for nurse practitioners, especially in ambulatory settings, enabling them to collaborate with other providers and improve care continuity.

Enhancing workflow efficiency

Mobile and remote capabilities

Mobile-friendly EHR systems allow practitioners to access records on smartphones or tablets. This mobility enhances workflows, improves communication, and fosters stronger patient-provider relationships.

Many nurses report that poor EHR communication negatively affects patient interactions. Mobile solutions can mitigate this issue by enabling face-to-face interaction during data entry.

Practice Management and Revenue Cycle Management (RCM)

For nurse practitioners who own and operate their practices, integrated practice management tools are indispensable. Features such as scheduling, billing, and revenue tracking simplify administrative tasks and improve financial performance.

Advanced medical billing

Advanced billing capabilities reduce errors, streamline claims processes, and enhance revenue flow. Automated systems also help nurse practitioners save time and focus more on patient care.

Tailored solutions for nurse practitioners

Addressing nursing-specific needs

General EHR systems may lack the nuanced features that nurse practitioners require. Systems must be evaluated for nursing-specific capabilities, including user-friendly interfaces, quick data access, and adaptability to diverse workflows.

Improved communication tools

Effective communication with patients and other healthcare providers is critical. EHR systems that integrate messaging, telehealth, and real-time updates promote better collaboration and patient trust.

Selecting the right EHR system for nurse practitioners involves careful consideration of clinical and administrative needs. The goal is to choose a system that enhances efficiency, supports compliance, and improves patient outcomes.