Advanced Nursing Practice Role
The targeted advanced role is that of a nurse practitioner (NP). A nurse practitioner is also given the title Advance Practice Nurse (APN). This advanced role must be completed by a nurse who has the relevant skills, expertise, and competencies for effective practice. The practitioner should also have a Master’s degree to offer adequate expanded practice (Patterson & Krouse, 2015). The major issues encountered in different societies encourage more APNs to offer evidence-based care to more clients.
Distinguishing the Role
Advanced Practice Nurses (APNs) can work in both clinical and non-clinical settings. Those working in clinical settings collaborate with different specialists and caregivers to produce the best health outcomes. They also have desirable competencies that can support the health needs of their patients. Such practitioners can diagnose, treat, and manage various diseases. They can also design various healthcare plans to achieve the best goals. NPs can also work in a non-clinical environment. For instance, a family nurse practitioner (FNP) will use his or her competencies to support the changing health needs of different clients (Patterson & Krouse, 2015). They possess diverse competencies thus being able to support more patients.
This advanced role is critical towards promoting patient safety by the NPSGs. Such APNs are capable of diagnosing, treating, and managing a wide range of health conditions. They also monitor the health outcomes of different patients. They collaborate with family members and caregivers to improve the level of patient safety. They can solve various problems, make accurate healthcare decisions, and improve the level of communication. They should, therefore, possess desirable competencies in order to promote patient safety. Experts argue that the use of evidence-based practices and culturally-competent ideas can produce the best results (Schnall et al., 2012). Various nursing terminologies, health informatics, and medical competencies can also improve the level of patient safety.
Summary of Articles
Research Article One
The article “Patient safety issues in advanced practice nursing students’ care settings” examines the major safety concerns encountered in different healthcare settings. The researchers wanted to understand the major safety challenges faced by advanced practice nurses (APNs) whenever providing care to their patients. After conducting the study, the researchers observed that several issues made it impossible for many patients to access quality care. For instance, cases of misdiagnosis and treatment were observed in different clinics. As well, poor disease management initiatives were also identified during the study. Communication problems between some APNs and patients were also recorded during the study (Schnall et al., 2012). That being the case, the authors encourage APNs to embrace the power of modern technologies in order to address various patient safety issues. Proper leadership, coordination, and decision-making practices can make it possible for APNs to improve the health outcomes of their patients.
Research Article Two
Advanced Practice Nurses (APNs) can offer quality health support to more patients in every corner of the globe (Kleinpell et al., 2014). However, the article “Addressing Issues Impacting Advanced Nursing Practice Worldwide” argues that more APNs are unable to practice effectively because of various barriers. According to the researchers, new APN roles have developed within the past ten years. This is the case because more people require adequate care and support. A wide range of barriers has emerged thus making it impossible for more APNs to realize their career objectives.
The major challenges affecting many APNs include “lack of recognition, standardized educational requirements, country-specific requirements, and issues to do with certification” (Kleinpell et al., 2014, p. 6). These barriers affect more APNs in different locations. The article goes further to explain why the relevant authorities should address such issues in order to ensure “every APN practices to the full extent of his or her training” (Kleinpell et al., 2014, p. 8). The move will ensure more people have access to effective and timely medical support. The level of patient safety will also increase significantly.
Expert Opinion Article
The article “A greater role for nurse practitioners” presents a timely opinion that can be embraced in order to transform the future of healthcare delivery. The author has the relevant experience thus making the information meaningful. The specialist explores some of the major challenges affecting the healthcare sector. The issue of nursing shortage makes it impossible for more individuals to access quality care. Professional differences have emerged thus making it impossible for many APNs to achieve their health goals. Some states in the US have specific regulations that encourage more APNs to offer a wide range of health services. More nurse practitioners (NPs) can practice independently in various primary care settings (Volpintesta, 2013). They also possess the required competencies thus being able to offer quality care. The author believes strongly that the existing barriers and differences should be addressed in an attempt to promote the health needs of more citizens. APNs should be empowered and allowed to offer primary care (Volpintesta, 2013). This move will address most of the issues affecting the global healthcare sector.
Reference List
Kleinpell, R., Scanlon, A., Hibbert, D., Ganz, F., Fraser, D., Wong, F.,…Beauchesne, M. (2014). Addressing Issues Impacting Advanced Nursing Practice Worldwide. The Online Journal of Issues in Nursing, 19(1), 1-14.
Patterson, B., & Krouse, A. (2015). Competencies for Leaders in Nursing Education. Nursing Education Perspectives, 36(2), 76-82.
Schnall, R., Cook, S., John, R., Larson, E., Stone, P., Sullivan, C.,…Bakken, S. (2012). Patient safety issues in advanced practice nursing students’ care settings. Journal of Nursing Care Quality, 27(2), 132-138.
Volpintesta, E. (2013). A greater role for nurse practitioners. News Times. Web.