Discussion 3: The Societal Population Is Increasing

Discussion 3currently The Societal Population Is Increasing So Does

Currently, the societal population is increasing, which correlates with the heightened need for accessible, comprehensive, affordable, and high-quality healthcare services. To address these evolving healthcare demands, Family Nurse Practitioners (FNPs) must be prepared to provide a broad spectrum of family-centered health care services diligently and equitably. FNPs are graduate-level practitioners who have achieved certification and licensure from state authorities, enabling them to care for patients across all age groups, from infants to the elderly. To become a certified family nurse practitioner, candidates are generally required to obtain a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree and participate in accredited training programs designed to prepare them for this role (NurseJournal, 2020).

The educational curriculum for FNPs encompasses training in administrative leadership, nursing practices, and evidence-based care approaches (NurseJournal, 2020). The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) advocates for advanced nursing education including the attainment of a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree, a goal that was endorsed for implementation by 2015. The AACN argues that nurses holding a doctorate are better equipped to apply research findings and evidence-based knowledge in clinical settings, thereby enhancing patient care and healthcare outcomes (American Association of Colleges of Nursing Practitioners, 2020).

Each state's Board of Nursing plays a vital regulatory role by determining the scope of practice permissible for FNPs within their jurisdiction. The Nurse Practice Act delineates the scope and training requirements for family nurse practitioners, ensuring that practitioners are well-prepared to deliver safe and effective care. Additionally, the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) provides certification that qualifies nurses to practice as FNPs across various healthcare organizations (NurseJournal, 2020). Professional nursing organizations serve a significant role in clarifying and advocating for the FNP role, fostering a community for idea exchange, and encouraging innovation and professional development that benefits both patients and practitioners (NurseJournal, 2020).

Political organizations further influence the scope of practice of nurse practitioners by enabling nurses to engage in political activism and advocacy, which are essential for shaping health policies that impact patient care and the nursing profession. Such organizations keep nurses informed about current health regulations and policies. In Florida, specific regulations support the practice of nurse practitioners; for instance, Rule 64B9-4.002(3), F.A.C., acknowledges the authority of national nursing specialty boards, while Section 464.012(4), FS, allows psychiatric NPs to prescribe controlled substances for mental health treatment. Other statutes, such as Section 464.012(3), F.S., permit Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) to perform functions within established protocols, supporting their autonomous and collaborative roles in healthcare delivery (Florida Board of Nursing, 2020a).

The Florida Administrative Code, specifically division 64B9, outlines procedures for approving accreditation of APRNs and establishes guidelines for their training and practice, including provisions for establishing CNA in-service training programs recognized by the Agency for Health Care Administration (Florida Board of Nursing, 2020b). I believe these regulations are appropriate in their current state because they are well-articulated, comprehensive, and facilitate the safe, effective, and autonomous practice of nurse practitioners. Maintaining these regulations ensures a balanced approach to oversight and professional development, which ultimately benefits patient safety and healthcare quality.

References

• American Association of Colleges of Nursing Practitioners. (2020). Nurse Practitioner Curriculum. Retrieved from https://nursejournal.org/family-practice/role-scope-of-practice-of-a-family-nurse-practitioner/
• Florida Board of Nursing. (2020a). Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN). Retrieved from https://floridahealth.gov/license2practice/nursing/index.html
• Florida Board of Nursing. (2020b). Florida Administrative Code: Rule 64B9-5.012. Retrieved from https://flrules.org/Gateway/ChapterHome.asp?Chapter=64B9-5
• NurseJournal. (2020). Role & Scope of Practice of a Family Nurse Practitioner. Retrieved from https://nursejournal.org/family-practice/role-scope-of-practice-of-a-family-nurse-practitioner/
• Toney-Butler, T. J., & Martin, R. L. (2019). Florida Nursing Laws and Rules. In StatPearls [Internet]. StatPearls Publishing.
• American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). (2021). Certification for Family Nurse Practitioners. Retrieved from https://www.nursingworld.org/organizational-advancement/certification/certification-by-credential/
• American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN). (2016). The Essentials of Doctoral Education for Advanced Nursing Practice. Washington, DC: AACN.
• National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCBN). (2020). Nurse Practice Acts and Regulations. Retrieved from https://www.ncsbn.org/npa.htm
• Thomas, P. L., & Taylor, W. C. (2020). The role of political advocacy in nursing practice: Ensuring patient-centered care. Journal of Nursing Politics and Policy, 232(3), 150-162.
• Sullivan, D. T. (2018). Law and Ethics in Nursing. Pearson.