Future Considerations for the APN Role

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Make a peer response or review of essay below:

  • Length: A minimum of 150 words per post, not including references
  • Citations: At least one high-level scholarly reference in APA per post from within the last 5 years

There are four different APRN roles: nurse practitioner (NP), certified nurse midwife (CNM), clinical nurse specialist (CNS), and certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA). Each role has a specific scope of practice that is based on their educational preparation and training that allow them to contribute to primary care in many ways. APRNs fulfill all of the responsibilities that RNs do, but their master’s-level education qualifies them to diagnose and treat patients, with some states permitting them to practice independently without collaboration with a physician. 

Accomplishing the title “APRN” is not a terminal event but the role assumes ongoing and increasing professional and societal obligations. APRNs distinguish his or her role from other nursing roles and medical counterparts by not only providing care for patients but also by actively involved in all phases of the quality and safety measure to improve the quality of healthcare. “Do good” is not enough, APRNs must be able to transform “doing good” into improving quality, outcomes, and costs. 

APRNs play an important role in enhancing patient experiences, population health, reducing costs, providing affordable, convenient, and patient-centered care in different settings. It is imperative for all APRNs to practice to the full extent of their knowledge and training to improve the quality of services for patients. APRNs are well prepared to develop and lead initiatives to assure patients to receive high- quality care. They should not be regarded as mid-level providers or just a “highly educated” RN. APRNs are constantly trying to prove their worth to patients and other healthcare professionals. Some physicians do not have a full appreciation for what APRNs have contributed to healthcare. For that reason, it is important for APRNs to continue to show their contributions, improve their performance, and “being accountable to the profession, employers, and the public for all components of their role” (Joel, 2018, p.367). APRNs are more than just a “highly educated” RN; they are providers “who infuse a new perspective on health and health care and provide thorough, holistic care that reduces unnecessary resource use by responding proactively to patient need” (Stahlke Wall & Rawson, 2016). 

References

Joel, L.A. (2018). Advanced Practice Nursing Essentials for Role Development (4th ed.). Philadelphia, PA: E.A. Davis. 

Stahlke Wall, S., & Rawson, K. (2016). The Nurse Practitioner Role in Oncology: Advancing Patient Care. Oncology Nursing Forum, 43(4), 489–496. https://doi.org/10.1188/16.onf.489-496