Compare And Contrast The Two Definitions Of Advanced Practic

Compare And Contrast the Two Definitions of Advanced Practice Nursing

Write a 2-pages discussion on the following topic: Compare and contrast the two definitions of advanced practice nursing as defined by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) DNP Essentials, the APRN consensus model, and as defined in your textbook. Support your responses with scholarly academic references using APA style format. Assigned course readings and online library resources are preferred. Textbook Hamric, A., Hanson, Ch., Tracy, M. & O’Grady, E. (2014) Advanced Practice Nursing: An Integrative Approach . 5th Ed. Elsevier

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Advanced practice nursing (APN) embodies roles that extend beyond traditional registered nursing to include specialized skills, broader autonomous decision-making, and advanced knowledge. Different authoritative sources articulate the concept and scope of APN through varying definitions that reflect the evolving landscape of healthcare. To understand these frameworks, it is essential to analyze and compare the definitions provided by the AACN DNP Essentials, the APRN consensus model, and Hamric et al.'s textbook, which collectively inform the understanding of APN’s scope, roles, and responsibilities.

AACN DNP Essentials

The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) defines the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Essentials as setting the foundation for advanced nursing practice. The AACN emphasizes that DNP-prepared nurses are qualified to lead practice changes, use evidence-based approaches, and translate research into practice (AACN, 2006). Their definition emphasizes a focus on systems leadership, quality improvement, and the application of scientific knowledge to patient care. Specifically, the AACN underscores that APN roles include the use of clinical expertise along with leadership roles that influence health outcomes on a broad scale.

This framework positions APN within a macro-healthcare context, emphasizing leadership in policy-making, implementation of innovative practices, and interdisciplinary collaboration. The AACN envisions APN roles as central to transforming healthcare quality, safety, and efficiency, especially with the integration of the DNP level of education which emphasizes the application of research and leadership in advanced practice.

APRN Consensus Model

The APRN consensus model offers a standardized definition that delineates four core roles: Nurse Practitioner (NP), Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS), Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM), and Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA). The model emphasizes that APNs are advanced practice registered nurses who meet specific criteria, including graduate education, certification, and authority to provide independent or collaborative care. The model further clarifies the scope of practice, prescribing authority, and the importance of licensure for APRNs (National Council of State Boards of Nursing [NCSBN], 2008).

Unlike the AACN's focus on leadership and system change, the consensus model concentrates on role delineation, scope of practice, and legal recognition. Its main contribution is the standardization across states and institutions, ensuring clarity in the roles of APRNs and facilitating interstate practice. The consensus model also emphasizes the importance of autonomous decision-making, especially for NPs and CNSs, highlighting their capacity to deliver comprehensive primary or specialized care.

Hamric et al.'s Textbook Definition

Hamric et al. (2014) define advanced practice nursing as a broad category that includes nurses with graduate education who deliver high-level care, often in specialized roles. Their definition emphasizes competencies related to clinical expertise, leadership, consultation, education, and research utilization. They describe APNs as autonomous or semi-autonomous providers who significantly impact patient outcomes through direct care, system improvements, and scholarly activities.

The textbook’s perspective is more practical and clinician-centered, focusing on the capabilities, responsibilities, and the importance of advanced knowledge in delivering quality care. Hamric et al. also highlight the role of APNs in education and policy advocacy, providing a comprehensive view of the role's multifaceted nature. Additionally, the textbook stresses the importance of contextual factors such as setting, population served, and regulatory environment in shaping APN practice.

Comparison and Contrast

Both the AACN DNP Essentials and the APRN consensus model articulate the scope of advanced practice nursing but from different angles. The AACN emphasizes leadership, evidence-based practice, and the transformative potential of APNs at a systemic level. In contrast, the consensus model provides a role-specific, regulatory framework that emphasizes scope, certification, and legal recognition of APN roles. While AACN’s perspective underscores broader system improvement and policy influence, the consensus model concentrates on delineation of roles, practice authority, and licensure within specific legal jurisdictions.

Hamric et al.'s textbook complements these frameworks by focusing on the clinical competencies and day-to-day responsibilities of APNs. It emphasizes the competencies required for high-quality independent and collaborative care, integrating clinical, leadership, and scholarly activities. Unlike the AACN and consensus model, which are more policy and role-oriented, Hamric’s description centers on what APNs do and how they contribute directly to patient care and health systems.

In summary, the AACN DNP Essentials focus on leadership and systemic change, the APRN consensus model on regulatory scope and role clarity, and Hamric et al. on practical competencies and clinical contributions. Together, these definitions offer a comprehensive understanding of advanced practice nursing, illustrating its evolving scope and significance in contemporary healthcare.

In conclusion, understanding the differences and commonalities among these definitions enhances appreciation of APN's multifaceted roles. As healthcare continues to evolve, so does the conceptualization of advanced nursing practice, driven by educational standards, role clarification, and clinical expertise. Integrating these perspectives provides a more holistic view necessary for shaping future practice, policy, and education in advanced nursing roles.

References

• American Association of Colleges of Nursing. (2006). The essentials of doctoral education for advanced nursing practice. AACN.
• National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN). (2008). APRN consensus model for regulation of advanced practice registered nurses. NCSBN.
• Hamric, A., Hanson, Ch., Tracy, M., & O’Grady, E. (2014). Advanced Practice Nursing: An Integrative Approach (5th ed.). Elsevier.
• Newhouse, R.P., et al. (2011). Advanced practice nurse outcomes. Nursing Economics, 29(5), 221-228.
• Buppert, C. (2018). Nurse practitioner's business practice and legal guide. Jones & Bartlett Learning.
• Status of Nurse Practitioners in the United States. (2020). Journal of Nursing Regulation, 11(3), 17-23.
• Institute of Medicine (US). (2010). The future of nursing: Leading change, advancing health. National Academies Press.
• Laurant, M., et al. (2018). The role of the nurse practitioner in primary healthcare: a systematic review. BMC Nursing, 17, 36.
• Kleinpell, R., et al. (2018). Clinical nurse specialist and nurse practitioner roles: definitions, similarities, and differences. Nursing Outlook, 66(2), 124-128.
• American Nurses Association (ANA). (2010). Scope and standards of practice for nurse practitioners. ANA Publications.