The Importance Of The Apn Professional Development Plan

In the traditional health care model, formal learning is not complete when a physician receives their medical degree and white coat at the end of their academic program. Medical school graduates are required to complete an accredited hospital residency program to become licensed to practice medicine, (Jolly, Erikson, & Garrison, 2013). However, acute care nurse practitioners (ACNPs) are not afforded, nor expected to complete, the same educational requirements. The current expectation that a new graduate ACNP learn their advanced nursing role “on-the-job” is unacceptable and leads to decreased job satisfaction and preparedness. In the every-changing climate of health care, the development of required residency programs for ACNPs should be maintained as a priority.

In 2008, the coalition of members from the Alliance for Advanced Practice Credentialing and the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) created the Consensus Model for Advanced Practicing Registered Nurses (APRN’s). This model creates a framework for APRN’s in licensing, accreditation, certification, and education in the United States (Alleman & Houle, 2013). The establishment of this Consensus Model has developed a bases for the ARNP’s comprehensive knowledge base, ability for clinical reasoning, cultural, and ethical competencies, establishing a model of practice for ARNPs in which to follow. These concepts will be further discussed in this paper.

Advanced practice nurses have core competencies that are similar or are specific to each specialization defined as an advanced practice. The profession of nursing presents favorable circumstances for nurses to specialize in roles with distinct responsibilities and opportunities to contribute to the function of a health care industry with growing demands and complexity. The profession of nursing continues to debate to whom the title advanced practice nurse applies to. Examination of the core concept frame works described by nurse leaders and professional organizations tend to either support or refute the argument related to the use of the term, advanced practice nurse for nursing administrators and educators. For the purpose of this paper the author will explore the core competency similarities and differences of a nurse practitioner and a nurse educator. Nurse educators and nurse practitioners are registered nurses that possess advanced education, skills, and experience. Each specialty nurse has defined scopes of practice with distinct sets of responsibilities, requirements, and skills. Each role represents distinct educational requirements and activities that contribute to the complex and diverse health care industry.

These organizations developed the Consensus Model document in 2008 to unify practice, identify APRN clinical roles, identify the acceptable titles to for NPs, and define the requirements for general practice and licensure. Note to mention that laws and regulations statute on the APN scope of practice may vary by states, whereas some adhere to full scope of practice, other to reduced practice, or restricted practice. For instance, the state of Florida defines advanced registered nurse practitioner as a licensed person with ability to practice professional nursing and certified to in advanced or specialized nursing practice (Buppert, 2011). The four advanced clinical specialized roles include certified registered nurse anesthetists, certified nurse midwives, clinical nurse specialist, and nurse practitioners (Buppert, 2011). In terms of licensure, 46 states out of 50 require nurse practitioners to pass a certification exam. The Florida Board of Nursing requires certification by an appropriate specialty board and graduation from a program leading to a master’s degree (Buppert,

The role of the advanced practice nurse has evolved immensely over the years, so why not take a stand and continue your education to become one of the four advanced practice nurses? Transitioning to an advanced practice nurse role requires a master’s degree and some experience as a registered nurse in order to have the background to propel forward in this career. Advanced practice nurses are comprised of nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, nurse anesthetists, and nurse midwives who are often primary care providers and provide comprehensive care to patients. Out of the four advanced practice nurse roles, nurse practitioners and clinical nurse specialists have both been providing care to patients since the 1960s. They both have many similarities and differences, and strengths and limitations of practicing in these specialized roles.

The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN, 2011).  The essentials of Master’s Education for Advance Practice Nursing. Retrieved July 09. 2015.

The report shows that the part of nursing must be expanded so that nurses are able to practice to the fullest degree of their education and training. Currently, advanced practice nurses (APRNs) work according to the scope of practice guidelines set forth by their individual state, meaning these highly educated nurses may not be working to the extent of their training but to the individual state laws. The report offers recommendations to streamline these idiosyncrasies and get rid of the red tape so that nurses can work in their appropriate manner and deliver safe quality care to some 32 million Americans who will before long gain access to health care services (American Association of Colleges of Nursing [AACN], 2012). The report correspondingly finds that nurses need to attain advanced levels of education and training through an enhanced education structure which encourages a cohesive academic progression as to safeguard the delivery of quality health care services. Patients are becoming progressively more complex and nurses need to attain the proper skills to care for these persons. Nursing education must embrace the continuous move towards a streamline approach to higher degree programs (Institute of Medicine [IOM], 2010, p. 2). Nurse residency programs

As the young and rapidly-aging population continues to increase, the demands of primary, acute and chronic disease management will also increase. As a result, more health care professionals who provide primary care will be needed to meet these demands. Thus, the emergence of Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) evolve. APRN is a nurse who has completed a graduate degree and has acquired advanced knowledge and skills. APRNs are grounded with theory, concepts and principles that enable them to assess, diagnose, treat and manage their patients. APRNs can work in conjunction with other health care professionals or independently. APRNs improve access to health care by providing care in the rural and underserved areas. APRNs also reduce the cost to health care (Joel, 2013).

For current and future needs we need to enable all healthcare professionals especially nurses to practice to the full level of their education and training. Advanced practice nurses can fulfill the primary care needs. This will free up physicians to address more complex cases which needs their expertise. Current practice focus on specialty and acute care only and a shift in practice to deliver more primary care and community care services is essential to improve the quality of nursing care and address the growing need of care in these areas.

The professional development plan for nursing graduates is a program that was started by the government with the aims of creating a smooth transition from the student experience to workplace experience. Despite having learnt several ethical and professional contents, the professional development plan ensures that, all the graduate nurses have a smooth transition that ensures they deliver quality and standard services as expected of them (Gordon & Franklin, 2003). Under the nursing professional plan, the nurses are supposed to bring together personal and professional skills in order to improve the quality of the nursing practice in the country.

The role of the Advanced Practice Nurse (APN) is expanding internationally throughout the healthcare system. Since the initiation of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act in 2010, there has been an increased need for APNs due to the growing demand for primary care services and increased population that have gained healthcare coverage (Lanthrop & Hodnicki, 2014). The purpose of this paper is to explore the role of APN and develop a professional development plan for my future career.

The term scope of practice is used to illustrate the legal authority that is conferred upon a professional to provide health services and be reimbursed for providing such services (Hamric, Hanson, Tracy, &, O’Grady, 2014). The scope of practice for the advanced practice nurse illustrates the requirements and responsibilities that accompany the position. The scope of practice nurse provides regulations and guidelines for the advanced practice nurse to ensure that they maintain professionalism and conform to ethical standards whenever they provide services. The APN practice is founded in scientific evidence and entails many aspects that foster the enhancement of the nursing practice such as health education, research, mentorship, and leadership. Just like laws, the APN scope of practice is closely knitted to state and national statuses, and, therefore, it varies from country to country and from state to state.

Advanced Practice Nursing licensure has four different specialties: Advanced Nurse Practitioner (ANP), Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM); Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA); and Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS). The classic specialties in nursing have been pediatric, psychiatric, and mental health, women’s health, community health, and adult health. The sub specialties within are adult health nursing include diabetes, transplant, palliative care nursing, acute care, emergency, oncology nursing, and nursing educator. Specialization involves focusing on practice in a specific area derived from the field of professional nursing. The advanced practice nursing with specialties has broader practical and theoretical knowledge. The specialty develops in response to changes in health care system and patient needs. These changes can be due to new technology, new medical specialties, and or changes in health care workforce. For an example lack of family physicians created family nurse practitioner. APNs are easily accessible and affordable. Additional knowledge and skills required for the increasingly complex practice.

My professional development plan is to grow as a nurse by obtaining knowledge through school and daily life and work experiences. In five to 10 years, I will be able care for patients and their families as a nurse practitioner. Setting short-term and long-term goals will help guide through the journey to transition into the role of professional nursing and provide new opportunities for the future. Beliefs and values influence the decisions or choices people make in their personal and professional lives. My philosophy of nursing incorporates my beliefs and values, which includes being an advocate for patients and

“Advance Practice Nurse (APN) is an umbrella term given to a Registered Nurse who has acquired the expert knowledge base, complex decision-making skills and clinical competencies for extended practice”. This definition of APN was adapted from International council of Nurses’ in 2005 by Singapore nursing Board (Kannusamy, 2007). The American Association of colleges of Nursing defines advance practice nursing as licensed registered nurses prepared at the graduate level in nursing as a nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist, certified nurse midwife or certified registered nurse anaesthetist to provide direct patient care. (Ruel & Motyka, 2009). As u can see, there are actually many different definitions for Advance