Background
The lack of uniformity in the regulation of Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) necessitated the adoption of the APRN consensus model. APRNs are a resource and growing force in the United States healthcare industry. The consensus model provides a way for states to create uniformity in licensure, certification, education, accreditation, and regulation of APRN roles. The four most common APRN roles include clinical nurse specialists, certified nurse midwives, certified nurse practitioners, and registered nurse anesthetists (Fagerström Lisbeth Maria & International Council of Nurses, 2021). Despite some level of progress in the implementation of the APRN consensus model, some states still lag behind others. A hurried implementation of the consensus model can positively impact the healthcare industry in terms of access, costs, and the quality of care provided.
Differences between Advanced Nursing Practice and Advanced Practice Registered Nursing
Advanced Nursing Practice (APRN) and Advanced Practice Registered Nursing (RN) are relatively similar in that they both perform similar functions. These functions include the diagnosis, treatment, and management of mild Health conditions. However, APRNs can make medical decisions as a result of their specialized training that RNs may not be authorized to make to their inferior knowledge, training, experience, and skills (Mcgee, 2021). In addition, the role of APRNs is primarily focused on analyzing a patient’s charts and determining the best care for them, while RN’s role is to implement the course chosen by the APRN. In essence, APRNs and RN work in concert to deliver the best possible care to their patients and realize the organizational mission of the healthcare facilities they work for.
Nevertheless, their role in the achievement of organizational mission and vision is distinct but interconnected. Specifically, RN are concerned with implementing patient care plans as specified in a patient’s medical records. On the other hand, APRNs analyze patients’ data and come up with management plans and supervise their implementation by the RN and other medical assistants. Generally, APRNs’ patient oversight is broader than that of RNs, such that APRNs handle more patients than RNs (Hassmiller & Pulcini, 2020).
Further, depending on the medical setting, an APRN may have a long-term relationship with a patient. For example, in primary care facilities where APRNs offer primary care to patients, a patient may have a long-term relationship with the APRN, depending on the nature of the illness. Therefore, APRNs fulfill all the responsibilities of an RN in addition to coordinating patient care through their broad knowledge, experience, and professional qualifications.
Appraisal of the Population Served through My Advanced Nursing Practice Role
APRNs normally operate in primary care facilities, providing care to people from all walks of life. For states that have implemented APRN consensus protocol and removed the restrictions placed on APRN practice, the rate of quality and access to healthcare services have improved. In other states, APRNs work under the direct supervision of physicians and are not allowed to take to perform some procedures. My state has made significant steps in implementing the APRN protocol and removed some restrictions on Advanced Nursing Practice. The primary care facility is the first point of contact for all patients visiting a healthcare facility. Consequently, I serve a broad range of patients in terms of social status, demographic, sexual orientation, and ethnicity, among other things.
Most of the population served through my advanced nursing practice role is insured through government insurance schemes or private insurance. The availability of insurance means that necessary care is always provided at no extra burden to the patient. Further, I serve people from the lower-class and middle class from virtually all racial groups in the United States. In addition, I also serve people from all age groups except pediatric patients who are served by specialists. Thus, because primary care is the first point of contact between a healthcare facility and a patient, I have served virtually all groups one can think of in the United States.
Certification Opportunities in FNP Primary Care
Becoming a certified Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) requires one to take several steps. The first step is to become a registered nurse. To be a registered nurse, one needs to have completed a nursing degree and be registered in the state in which they practice. After registration as a nurse, one can then apply for the FNP program. The FNP programs must be accredited by the relevant authorities and include either a master’s or postgraduate program. To complete the FNP program, most states require a practitioner to have at least 500 hours of supervised patient clinical care (Dlugasch & Story, 2021).
After the completion of the minimum hours, one can either take the AANP Family Nurse Practitioner Certification or the ANCC Family Nurse Practitioner Certification. Passing either of these certification exams entitles one to apply to their state to be registered as an FNP. Some states can require other additional professional achievements such as a postgraduate degree, among many others. Periodical renewal of the certification is required in all states.
My Licensure, Accreditation, Certification, and Education Plan
Becoming a licensed FNP specialist requires one to meet the specifications outlined above. These requirements mean that to achieve the goal of becoming an FNP practitioner, I would need to pass through several milestones. Consequently, I will need several years to finish my undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate studies. After completing my basic education studies, I will apply for the FNP program. This program requires one to complete 500 hours of supervised clinical patient care. At an average rate of four hours of supervised clinical care, it would take at least four months to finish up the FNP program. After completing the program, I would need to apply to the state to be licensed and accredited as an FNP in my state of residence.
State-Specific Implications of the FNP Role
The advanced nurse practitioner role is gaining traction in the United States. In specific states that are responsible for rolling out education, accreditation, licensure, and certification, the implementation of the consensus model has been slow. Thus, specific and numerous restrictions on nursing practice exist. In addition, nursing practitioners under these states cannot practice in another state without passing that state’s nurse practitioner exam and additional training.
However, other states are already harmonizing their licensure, accreditation, education, and certification of APRNs. This harmonization exercise ensures that a nursing practitioner in one state can practice in another state without restrictions that were applied before the consensus model was agreed upon. With access to healthcare services across the United States being lower than in other developed countries, it is imperative to ensure that the laws and regulations concerning nursing practitioners are strong enough to ensure the safety of patients and flexible enough to ensure that quality and affordable care is offered.
References
Dlugasch L. & Story L. (2021). Applied pathophysiology for the advanced practice nurse. Jones & Bartlett Learning.
Fagerström Lisbeth Maria & International Council of Nurses. (2021). A caring advanced practice nursing model: Theoretical perspectives and competency domains. Springer Nature.
Hassmiller S. & Pulcini J. (2020). Advanced practice nursing leadership: A global perspective. Springer.
Mcgee P. (2019). Advanced practice in healthcare: Dynamic developments in nursing and allied health professions (4th ed). John Wiley.