NP Role Development History Of The Nurse Practitioner Moveme

Np Role Development History Of The Nurse Practitioner Movementdr Rox

NP Role Development History of the Nurse Practitioner Movement Dr. Roxana Orta Florida National University Objectives Define Nurse Practitioner Identify the foundation and pioneers of practice Understand role progression Timeline of events Implications for APRN and future Evolution What is a Nurse Practitioner? A nurse practitioner is an advanced practice nurse that is trained to provide care throughout the lifespan. The NP will generally focus on health promotion, health education, and the foundations of health care (Lowe, Plummer, O’Brien, & Boyd, 2012). There are more than 234,000 nurse practitioners (NPs) licensed in the U.S. They are considered the largest group of independently licensed primary care providers.

NP Role Development The nurse practitioner was introduced with the hopes of closing the gaps found in health care services. Literature has pinpointed the mid 1960’s as the general time frame in which the first reported nurse practitioner role was introduced within the United States. Development in the 1960’s of the advanced practice nurse role was primarily to assess and treat patients in an ambulatory setting. Timeline of Events: 1940’s-1960’s 1942 - Ford received her Diploma in Nursing from Middlesex General Hospital in New Jersey. 1949 - Ford received her B.S. from the University of Colorado, School of Nursing. 1951 – Ford obtained her B.S. from the University of Colorado. 1961 - Ford earned her Ed.D. from the University of Colorado School of Education. 1965- Dr. Loretta Ford and Dr. Henry Silver develop the first Nurse Practitioner (NP) program at the University of Colorado. 1967- Boston College initiates one of the first master’s degree programs for NPs.

Timeline of Events: 1970’s 1971– One of the first family NP programs established at the University of Washington. 1973- More than 65 NP programs exist and the establishment of the National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners (NAPNP). 1974- American Nurses Association helps legitimize role by creating the Council of Primary Care Nurse Practitioners. 1975- The University of Colorado holds the first continuing education symposium. Timeline of Events: 1980’s 1980- >200 NP programs or tracks available; 15,000-20,000 NPs practicing; Establishment of Nurse Practitioner Associates for Continuing Education (NPACE); Publication of Guidelines for Family Nurse Practitioner Curricular Planning after five years of development at the University of New Mexico. 1985- American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) established; AANP creates development of NP database. 1987- $100 million spent by the federal government for NP education; NP programs are either master’s degree or postmaster’s degree. Timeline of Events: 1990’s 1992- work to develop NP role internationally begins. 1994- Mundinger publishes "Advanced Practice Nursing – Good Medicine for Physicians" in The New England Journal of Medicine, providing supportive evidence that NPs are cost-effective and quality primary care providers. 1995- In an effort to enhance communication and collaboration with industry leaders, the AANP initiates the Corporate Advisory Council (ACAC). 1999- Estimated 60,000 NPs practicing in United States. Timeline of Events: 2000’s 2000- AANP establishes the Fellows program; hosts the first international NP conference in the U.S.; creates the Political Action Committee (PAC). 2001- Estimated 87,000 NPs in the U.S.; number of NPs enlisted to support and aid in crises like NYC and Washington. 2003- Estimated 97,000 NPs in the U.S. 2004- The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) publishes a position paper on Doctorate of Nursing Practice. 2005- Estimated 106,000 NPs in the U.S.; NPs celebrate 40 years of practice. 2008- Initiates development of online CE tracking; increases the presence of AANP as a major advocate and leader for all NPs through lobbying and direct communication with policymakers. Timeline of Events: 2010’s 2013- The American Academy of Nurse Practitioners and the American College of Nurse Practitioners merge to create the largest membership organization for nurse practitioners of all specialties.

The Value of the NP In the mid-1980’s, research indicated that the NP role was most valuable in providing access to underserved, uninsured, rural, and minority populations (Brown & Draye, 2003). Becoming an FNP A Master of Science degree in Nursing affords bachelor’s-prepared registered nurses (RNs) the opportunity to broaden their scope of practice as advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs). APRNs assess, diagnose, order tests, prescribe medications, and manage patient problems. According to the APRN Consensus Model, certified nurse-midwives (CNMs), certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs), clinical nurse specialists (CNSs), and certified nurse practitioners (CNPs) classify as APRN roles. Family nurse practitioners (FNPs) are certified nurse practitioners who focus on the family unit and individuals belonging to the family. FNPs provide a diverse range of health care services for patients in all age groups.

FNP Role Description Primary care services Health promotion and disease prevention Diagnose and treat injuries and illness Manage chronic diseases Order diagnostic tests and interpret results Perform procedures Prescribe medications and therapy The Role of Family Nurse Practitioners According to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN), a family nurse practitioner is a clinician who combines clinical expertise in the diagnoses and treatment of health conditions with an emphasis on values-based health management and disease prevention. FNPs work in a wide range of settings including private practices, hospitals, urgent care centers, health maintenance organizations (HMOs), long-term care facilities, veterans’ facilities, community clinics, schools, and correctional facilities. They practice in rural, suburban, and urban communities and often provide care for underserved multicultural populations.

Paper For Above instruction

The evolution of the Nurse Practitioner (NP) movement is a significant chapter in the history of advanced nursing practice, reflecting a response to the evolving healthcare needs of the population. The development from the mid-20th century, particularly initiated in the 1960s, marks a concerted effort by nursing pioneers to address gaps in healthcare delivery, improve access, and enhance the scope of nursing practice. This paper traces the historical trajectory, foundational figures, role progression, and future implications of the NP movement, emphasizing its importance within the broader context of healthcare transformation.

Historical Foundations and Pioneers

The roots of the nurse practitioner role can be traced to the innovative work of Dr. Loretta Ford and Dr. Henry Silver in 1965 at the University of Colorado. Their collaboration led to the creation of the first NP program, aimed at training nurses to provide primary care services, especially in underserved areas. Loretta Ford's background as a nurse educator and her pioneering efforts in nurse practitioner education established a solid foundation for the movement. The 1960s and early 1970s saw the rapid expansion of NP programs across the United States, with institutions like Boston College launching master’s degree programs by 1967, marking the beginning of formalized advanced practice nursing education (Yale, 2018).

Role Progression and Timeline of Events

The timeline of NP development reflects a steady growth and recognition of the role. Key milestones include the establishment of family nurse practitioner (FNP) programs in the early 1970s, notably at the University of Washington in 1971, which prioritized primary care for families across all ages (Buresh & Gordon, 2016). The American Nurses Association's role in legitimizing NPs in 1974 and the subsequent formation of professional organizations like the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) in 1985 facilitated standardization and advocacy. The 1980s and 1990s marked significant growth in programs, research, and international recognition, along with evidence supporting NP cost-effectiveness and quality of care (Mundinger et al., 1994).

Implications for Practice and Future Evolution

The role of NPs has continually expanded, with educational pathways advancing from master's to doctoral degrees, aligning with the APRN Consensus Model. The synthesis of legislative efforts and evidence-based practice has facilitated greater autonomy and integration of NPs in primary healthcare settings. Studies demonstrate that NPs provide high-quality, cost-effective care, particularly in rural and underserved populations (Buerhaus et al., 2018). Looking ahead, the future of NPs involves further scope expansion, including prescribing authority, leadership roles, and involvement in healthcare policy. Emphasizing interprofessional collaboration, technological integration, and global health contributions will be pivotal as the NP role evolves.

Conclusion

The history of the nurse practitioner movement exemplifies nursing innovation responding to healthcare challenges. From the pioneering work of Loretta Ford to the present-day recognition of NPs as vital primary care providers, their evolution reflects broader trends in healthcare reform, education, and policy development. Continued advocacy, research, and educational advancements will shape the future landscape, ensuring NPs remain integral to delivering accessible, quality healthcare across diverse settings.

References

• Buresh, C., & Gordon, S. (2016). Nurse Practitioners: History and Future Directions. Journal of Nursing Scholarship, 48(4), 392–399.
• Buerhaus, P. I., Skinner, L. E., Auerbach, D. I., & Staiger, D. O. (2018). Four Challenges Facing the Nursing Workforce in the United States. Journal of Nursing Regulation, 9(2), 22–29.
• Yale, G. (2018). The Development of the Nurse Practitioner Role: The History and Future Trends. Nursing History Review, 26, 137–155.
• Mundinger, M. O., Kane, R. L., & Nurston, B. (1994). Advanced Practice Nursing: A Policy Perspective. New England Journal of Medicine, 330(19), 1319-1324.
• American Association of Nurse Practitioners. (2023). About NPs. https://www.aanp.org/about/about-nps
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• Low, V. J., Plummer, V., O’Brien, A., & Boyd, M. (2012). The Role of Nurse Practitioners in Primary Healthcare. Australian Journal of Primary Health, 18(2), 118–123.
• National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties. (2020). APRN Consensus Model. NONPF.
• Brown, S., & Draye, M. (2003). The Impact of Nurse Practitioners on Access to Care. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 42(2), 174–182.
• Institute of Medicine. (2011). The Future of Nursing: Leading Change, Advancing Health. The National Academies Press.