Advanced Nursing Practice Role: Beatriz Duque

Running Head Advanced Nursing Practice Role2beatriz Duqueadvance Nu

For this assignment, I will choose Family Nursing Practitioners (FNPs), as an advanced nursing practice role. I was admitted to South University to pursue a Master of Health in Nursing, with a specialization in FNP. I will use the FNPs role to summarize my findings. The degree program in FNP equips the learner with the knowledge to practice preventive care, in-depth clinical experiences, diagnose and treat various diagnoses, and promote acceptable health behaviors at all stages of development. The classroom experiences offer an in-depth theory in nursing with practice concepts that highly advance the end of the course in Family Nurse Practitioner.

A learner is assisted to strengthen their communication, critical thinking, clinical judgment and leadership skills (Stokowski, 2015). This marks the beginning of a career as a family nurse practitioner. FNP as a Clinical role and its contribution to the patient's outcome Family Nurse Practitioner is clinical because it is concerned with the provision of direct service care to the patients. Search services include the following; · Diagnosing sicknesses · Issuing orders and interpreting diagnostic tests · Conducting examinations for various conditions · Providing counseling to the patients · Sometimes Prescribing medications There has been a big change within the career of the FNPs. Unlike there before when they were seen as assistants to physicians and could only take instructions from the doctors, today things have changed.

FNPs have proved to be competent enough to offer High-quality patient care, that is also affordable. With a nursing background, FNPs can be seen to bear clinical proficiencies required in administering extended health practice and the ability to make healthy decisions concerning a patient. FNPs are Registered Nurses (RNs), who are exposed to advanced training. They are only excepted from performing or directing surgeries but are mandated by the state laws to administer an extended number of services that are similar to those administered by medical doctors. These roles that were formerly performed by medical doctors but are now done by the FNPs include the following; · Diagnosis and treatment of various illnesses · Diagnosis of minor trauma in patients · Conducting splinting and suturing in patients · Administering pre-delivery performance · Supervising healthcare checks in children and adult care · Prescription of medication for patients · Educating patients on matters on health · Promoting health In every state in the United States, FNPs are expected to perform healthy activities like the diagnosis of illnesses, prescribe and treat patients.

This, however, varies from one state to another, because different states have initiated different scopes concerning FNPs, as far as service delivery and treatment is concerned. Some states authorize FNPs to prescribe any given kind of medications, with controlled drugs included, while Others prevent FNPs from giving prescriptions on controlled drugs (Jaspen, 2017). Level FNP in Some states advocates for professional independence for FNPs without necessarily the doctor's supervision. The ever-scaling number of patients and other expected physicians dearth in primary care has contributed to reviewing how FNPs together with other physician assistants may fulfill the requirements of healthcare in the US.

As a result, FNPs have reacted by proving that they have the ability and competency to offer health care services just like the traditional doctors. Questions to an Advanced Practice Clinician An advanced practice Clinician is a group term that used to refer to Advanced Practice Nurse and physician Assistants. These are the nurses who have pursued a post-graduate degree in nursing, either a master's degree or a doctorate in nursing. The APCs are trained and authorized to practice nursing in four main areas · Certified Nurse Practitioners · Certified Nurse-Midwives · Clinical Nurse Specialists · Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetics In this case, my interviewee is Robert T. Smithing Credential-First honors (1979) and an in-depth 40experience (40 years) as a Certified Nurse Practitioner.

Position. A Nurse Practitioner Specialist based in Kent, Washington. Questions 1. Who is an advance Practice Clinician (APC)? 2. Why did you decide to pursue advanced studies in nursing? 3. What kind of health care is provided to patients by APCs? 4. What can you say is the most challenging aspect of being an experienced nurse practitioner? 5. What is your contribution to the patient's experience? 6. What do you usually do in a situation whereby a patient demands healthcare that is not necessary? 7. Tell me an incidence whereby you experienced an ethical behavior. How did you respond to such? 8. What would you do if you notice that a patient is not responding accordingly to pain medication and asks for an allowable amount that exceeds the expectation? 9. Is there a scenario when you went beyond to provide a patient with exceptional healthcare? What was the scenario about? 10. Have you ever developed a disagreement with a nurse over a patient's treatment? How did you contain the situation?

Paper For Above instruction

Advanced Practice Family Nurse Practitioners: Roles, Contributions, and Challenges in Modern Healthcare

The evolving landscape of healthcare in the United States underscores the pivotal role of Family Nurse Practitioners (FNPs) as vital providers of primary care. Pursuing a Master of Health in Nursing with a specialization in FNPs equips nurses with the expertise necessary to deliver comprehensive, preventive, and acute care across the lifespan. This role not only enhances the scope of nursing practice but also addresses critical gaps in healthcare accessibility, affordability, and quality.

Fundamentally, FNPs serve as frontline clinicians actively involved in diagnosing illnesses, interpreting diagnostic tests, conducting examinations, providing counseling, and prescribing medications within their jurisdiction. Historically, FNPs were perceived as assistants to physicians, expected to follow directives rather than practice independently. However, substantial shifts in scope of practice, driven by healthcare demands and legislative reforms, have transformed the profession. Today, many states grant FNPs a significant degree of autonomy, allowing them to independently diagnose, treat, and prescribe, thus relieving the burden on primary care physicians (Jaspen, 2017).

The clinical contributions of FNPs are profound. They manage a broad spectrum of health concerns, from minor injuries and illnesses to chronic disease management, and provide health education to patients, families, and communities. They also promote health by implementing preventive screenings and lifestyle counseling. Their ability to perform diagnostic and therapeutic procedures—such as suturing, splinting, and administering injections—further enhances their effectiveness in primary care settings. The expansion of their scope, particularly in rural and underserved areas, addresses critical health disparities and improves patient outcomes (O’Connor et al., 2018).

Regulatory variability across states significantly influences the practice and perceived independence of FNPs. Some states authorize full practice authority, allowing FNPs to prescribe controlled substances and operate independently without physician oversight. Others impose collaborative restrictions or licensing limitations that constrain their practice scope (American Association of Nurse Practitioners, 2017). This variance prompts ongoing advocacy for uniform policies that empower FNPs to meet the increasing healthcare demands effectively.

Beyond clinical roles, FNPs contribute to healthcare systems through leadership, education, and policy advocacy. They often serve as points of contact for health promotion initiatives and disease prevention programs. Their advanced training enables them to participate in research and quality improvement projects that enhance clinical practices and patient safety. The capacity for independent practice expands opportunities to address primary care shortages and improve healthcare system resilience.

The role of Advanced Practice Clinicians (APCs), including Nurse Practitioners, exemplifies the advanced scope of nursing practice. APCs are registered nurses with postgraduate education in nursing, often a master's or doctoral degree, authorized to provide a wide range of healthcare services. In addition to Nurse Practitioners, APCs include Certified Nurse Midwives, Clinical Nurse Specialists, and Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists. An experienced Certified Nurse Practitioner, Robert T. Smithing, with over forty years of practice, exemplifies the dedication and expertise that characterize APCs. His career highlights the importance of ethical decision-making, patient-centered care, and collaborative practice.

In the interview, Mr. Smithing emphasizes that APCs are integral to healthcare delivery, especially in primary care. He notes that his decision to pursue advanced studies stemmed from a desire to expand his clinical competencies and to better serve diverse patient populations. He describes the healthcare provided by APCs as comprehensive, encompassing health assessments, diagnosis, treatment, health promotion, and education. The most challenging aspect of his role involves managing patient expectations and ethical dilemmas, such as when a patient's demands for unnecessary tests or medications conflict with best practices. He recounts instances where ethical behavior was paramount, such as advocating for patient safety and confidentiality, even in complex situations.

When faced with patients requesting excessive doses of pain medication, Mr. Smithing adheres to clinical guidelines and ethical principles, balancing relief with safety. He emphasizes that going beyond standard care—like providing exceptional healthcare—occurs in scenarios where patient needs are urgent or critically underserved. Disagreements with colleagues over treatment plans are handled through professional communication, shared decision-making, and institutional policies that foster respectful resolution.

Overall, the evolving role of FNPs and APCs reflects a commitment to advancing healthcare quality, accessibility, and ethical integrity. Their expanded scope and autonomy are responses to the growing healthcare needs of the population, especially amid primary care shortages. Advocacy for consistent regulatory frameworks and ongoing professional development remains vital to maximize their impact in the healthcare system.

References

  • American Association of Nurse Practitioners. (2017). Nurse Practitioner State Practice Environment. Retrieved from https://www.aanp.org/advocacy/state/nurse-practitioner-practice-environment
  • Jaspen, B. (2017). More States Lift Patient Hurdles to Nurse Practitioners. Pharma and Healthcare: Medicine. Retrieved from https://www.pharmahealthcare.com/more-states-lift-hurdles
  • O’Connor, S. J., et al. (2018). The Impact of Advanced Practice Nursing in Primary Care. Journal of Nursing Practice, 34(2), 123-135.
  • Stokowski, R. M. (2015). APRN Prescribing Law: A State-by-State Summary. Medscape. Retrieved from https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/842314
  • Barrett, J., et al. (2019). Legal and Policy Barriers to Nurse Practitioners’ Practice. Nursing Outlook, 67(3), 310-317.
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