Nurse Practitioner Guide to Locum Tenens Jobs in Kansas

Imagine for a moment that you are stuck in traffic on your way to work, bored of the same monotonous routine, and looking to experience new scenery and culture. Then, your phone vibrates. It’s your Barton recruiter with the answer. They share a new listing with great pay, your dream schedule, and it will start at a time that fits your current life. The only problem is that it is in Kansas which you know very little about. That’s where Barton comes in!

What You Need to Know About Kansas as a Locum Tenens Nurse Practitioner?

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 Kansas.

Click here for open nurse practitioner jobs in Kansas!

Kansas: A Brief History

Kansas, situated on the American Great Plains, became the 34th state of the United States on January 29, 1861. Kansas has long been known as part of America’s agricultural heartland. It is home to the major U.S. military installation Fort Leavenworth. Kansas is the leading producer of wheat in the United States, often referred to as “The Wheat Capital of the World.” Its vast prairies and rolling hills covered in tall grass make it one of the most scenic states in the Midwest. Serving as the setting for the calling of L. Frank Baum’s classic children’s book, The Wizard of Oz, there is truly no place like Kansas.

What is there to do and see in Kansas?

  • Head to Strong City, Kansas to visit the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve. This vast expanse of untouched prairie showcases the beauty of native grasses, wildflowers, and wildlife. Take a hike, enjoy scenic views, and immerse yourself in the serene landscape. 
  • Take a trip to Wichita to see the Old Cowtown Museum, an open-air living history museum. It transports visitors back to the wild west with its reconstructed buildings, costumed interpreters, and interactive exhibits. Explore life in the 19th century and learn about cowboys, pioneers, and Native American culture. 
  • Visit the Cosmosphere and Space Center in Hutchinson, Kansas, a world-class museum dedicated to space exploration. Explore artifacts from the Apollo missions, see a real Space Shuttle, and learn about the universe.
  • Coined as the “Sunflower State,” Kansas is known for its golden fields of sunflowers. Take a drive through the countryside late in the summer to witness these beautiful flowers in full bloom.

How close is Kansas to other cities and states?

  • Wichita, Kansas to Kansas City, Missouri: Approximately 200 miles; around 3 to 3.5 hours by car.
  • Topeka, Kansas to Omaha, Nebraska: Roughly 185 miles; about 3 to 3.5 hours by car. 
  • Overland Park, Kansas to Des Moines, Iowa: Around 220 miles; approximately 3.5 to 4 hours by car.
  • Lawrence, Kansas to St. Louis, Missouri: About 250 miles; approximately 4 to 4.5 hours by car.
  • Manhattan, Kansas to Denver, Colorado: Approximately 540 miles; around 8 to 9 hours by car.

Nurse Practitioner Scope of Practice In Kansas

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

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

Can Nurse Practitioners Sign Death Certificates in Kansas?

The current regulations in Kansas do not grant NPs the authority to sign death certificates. This is a responsibility that, as of now, remains outside of their professional jurisdiction.

Does Kansas Recognize Nurse Practitioners as Primary Care Providers? 

The state of Kansas, 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 Kansas?

NPs in the state of Kansas are authorized to prescribe, administer, dispense, and procure Schedule II drugs, which are classified as substances with a high potential for abuse but also have accepted medical uses. This authority is not absolute, however, and is granted under the condition of a collaborative agreement with a prescriber. This collaborative agreement is a formal arrangement between the NP and a licensed physician, outlining the specific drugs and medical services that the NP is allowed to administer. It serves as a safeguard to ensure the highest level of patient care and safety.

Do Nurse Practitioners Qualify for Medical Staff Membership in Kansas?

NPs are permitted to join medical staff in the state of Kansas. This is a significant aspect of healthcare provision in Kansas, as it underscores the value and trust placed in the expertise and capabilities of NPs. Being part of a medical staff allows NPs to contribute their unique skills and perspectives to a collaborative healthcare environment. They work alongside physicians, specialists, and other healthcare professionals, providing comprehensive patient care.

Can Nurse Practitioners Order Physical Therapy in Kansas?

In the state of Kansas, 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 Kansas?

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

Nurse practitioners can sign POLST forms in Kansas. These forms are designed to communicate a patient’s wishes regarding life-sustaining treatment.

Can Nurse Practitioners Sign Do Not Resuscitate Orders in Kansas?

Nurse practitioners are not authorized to sign Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) orders in the state of Kansas. DNR orders are typically signed after a detailed discussion with the patient or the patient’s healthcare proxy or legal guardian. House Bill No. 2650 attempted to allow NPs to sign DNR orders, but it died at the committee.

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

In Kansas, NPs are required to fulfill 30 CE hours every two years. This requirement is designed to guarantee that NPs continually enhance their expertise and abilities, keep up with the most recent advancements in their profession, and deliver top-tier patient care.

Find Your Next Nurse Practitioner Job with Barton

Barton coordinates your job search from start to finish!

1

TALK WITH A REP

We’ll schedule a phone consultation with a Barton Associates team member to discuss your interests, goals, and work history in order to get a sense of what you’re looking for in your next job.

Your Barton team will then go to work, compiling a list of open jobs in our extensive network that match your interests and skill set.

2

REVIEW YOUR OPTIONS

Once you’ve had a chance to evaluate your list of opportunities, your Barton rep will submit your information to facility you want to take an assignment at.

If there’s a match, we’ll work with the client manager on next steps.

3

START YOUR JOB!

Don’t worry! Barton Associates will handle licensing, credentialing, and travel arrangements before you arrive.

Your Barton rep will also work with your new facility to ensure you’re set up and ready to go on day one.

LEARN MORE

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