Running Head: Advanced Practice Roles In Nursing

Running Head Advanced Practice Roles In Nursing

Distinguish between Advanced Nursing Practice (ANP) and the Advanced Practice Nurse (APN). “Advanced nursing practice is a nurse field that extends the boundaries of nursing practice, helps in contributing to nursing knowledge as well, a promoting the advancement of the nursing profession” (Tappen, 2017). On the other hand, a nurse with an ANP title has completed the master's or doctorate, allowing the nurse to pursue higher-level roles in their respective fields. The nurses become more autonomous and versatile in the service delivery.

Briefly define advanced nursing practice and the four roles in nursing about clinical practice, primary care, education, administration, and health information. According to Miranda Neto, et al., (2018), “advanced nursing practice is a field of nursing that extends and expands the boundaries of nursing’s scope of practice, contributes to nursing knowledge, and promotes the advancement of the profession." The healthcare industry is changing at a very high pace which therefore requires that healthcare professionals are also up to the task. The ANPs have various healthcare roles that help improve patient outcomes. The first is their role in nursing research to improve patient safety and quality through understanding and applying evidence-based practices. They assess and integrate scientific knowledge to develop innovative approaches to care, enhance safety, and promote health.

The second role involves managing overall care, including prescribing medications. Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) are authorized to prescribe controlled substances listed in Schedule II, usually limited to a seven-day supply, excluding psychotropic medications for children under 18 years. The third role is patient education, which is crucial for improving treatment outcomes such as medication adherence. Effective education empowers patients to participate actively in their care and fosters healthier behaviors. The last role involves leadership—motivating and empowering other nurses to achieve healthcare goals, improve practice standards, and foster collaboration within multidisciplinary teams.

Paper For Above instruction

Advanced nursing practice (ANP) signifies a sophisticated level of nursing that encompasses expanded responsibilities, autonomous decision-making, and specialized knowledge, all aimed at improving healthcare delivery. At its core, ANP includes four primary roles—clinical practice, primary care, education, and administration—that collectively elevate nursing standards and patient outcomes.

Clinical practice within ANP involves expert assessments, diagnostic capabilities, and the implementation of complex care strategies. Advanced practice nurses (APNs) such as nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, nurse anesthetists, and nurse midwives, each serve unique functions but share core competencies in managing acute and chronic conditions. These professionals utilize advanced clinical decision-making skills, emphasizing evidence-based interventions tailored to individual patient needs, often operating independently or collaboratively with physicians (Hamric, Hanson, Tracy, & O’Neill, 2014). Their role is critical in settings where healthcare access is limited, or specialist services are scarce, by providing comprehensive care, health promotion, and disease prevention services.

The primary care role of ANPs involves delivering direct patient care across a broad spectrum of health issues. They conduct health assessments, develop treatment plans, prescribe medications, and coordinate with multidisciplinary teams to ensure continuous care (Liu et al., 2019). Their capacity to prescribe controlled drugs—within regulatory limits—permits them to manage ongoing patient needs effectively. This role significantly reduces healthcare system burdens by providing accessible, cost-effective, and continuous care, especially in underserved communities.

In terms of education, advanced practice nurses serve as educators for patients, families, and other healthcare providers. Patient education is fundamental in managing chronic diseases, optimizing medication adherence, and promoting healthy lifestyle choices. APNs also serve as role models and mentors within clinical settings, shaping future generations of nurses through preceptorship and ongoing professional development (Hass et al., 2020). Their focus on health promotion and disease prevention aligns with the broader public health goals of reducing morbidity and mortality.

Leadership and administrative responsibilities are integral components of ANP roles. These professionals often spearhead initiatives aimed at enhancing quality improvement, implementing evidence-based protocols, and optimizing healthcare delivery systems (Newman & Triscari, 2019). Nurse leaders in advanced roles influence policy development, resource management, and interprofessional collaboration, thereby fostering safe and efficient care environments. They also advocate for nursing practice expansion, workforce development, and patient safety.

Role I Intend to Acquire Through SUO

My aspiration is to advance as a public health nurse through the Southern University Online (SUO) program, acquiring the expertise necessary to promote community health and disease prevention. Public health nursing is centered on improving health outcomes at the population level by addressing social determinants, promoting health education, and implementing preventive measures. Unlike clinical nurses who tend to individual patients, public health nurses work within communities, emphasizing health promotion, disease prevention, and health equity (Stanhope & Lancaster, 2019).

My passion for community health stems from a desire to make a tangible difference in preventing disease and promoting wellness on a broad scale. I aim to develop competencies in epidemiology, program planning, and community-based interventions. These skills will enable me to assess community health needs, design tailored health promotion programs, and advocate for policies that advance social and environmental determinants of health.

I believe my prior experience volunteering in health outreach programs, along with my background in healthcare education, has instilled in me qualities such as compassion, communication, cultural competence, and leadership—crucial traits for successful public health practice. My philosophy is rooted in the belief that health is a fundamental human right, and effective community engagement and preventive care are essential tools to achieve health equity (Koh et al., 2019). By integrating social sciences with public health principles, I am committed to reducing health disparities and empowering communities to participate actively in maintaining their health.

Questions for Interview with Advanced Practice Clinician

1. What do you love most about your career as an advanced practice clinician?
2. Why did you choose this job?
3. What other kinds of nursing or healthcare roles have you held?
4. What is your role in reducing unfavorable outcomes in healthcare?
5. What is the difference between other nursing careers and an advanced practice clinician?
6. How would you describe your role in admission and staffing decisions?
7. What strategies do you use to eradicate barriers to medication adherence?
8. How do you ensure the use of evidence-based practices and patient-centered care?
9. How do you promote collaboration and effective communication among healthcare professionals?
10. What role does technology play in improving the quality of care you provide?

References

• Hamric, A. B., Hanson, C. M., Tracy, M. F., & O’Neill, E. S. (2014). Advanced Practice Nursing: An Integrative Approach (5th ed.). Elsevier Saunders.
• Hass, M. R., Peden, A. R., & Kyles, C. (2020). The role of nurses in patient education and health promotion. Nursing Clinics, 55(2), 255–266.
• Koh, H. K., Ciccitto, M., & Hswen, Y. (2019). Building health equity through community engagement. JAMA, 321(24), 2365–2366.
• Liu, W., Marshall, R., & Donnelly, P. (2019). The role of nurse practitioners in the primary care setting. Primary Care Companion for CNS Diseases, 21(4).
• Newman, M., & Triscari, J. (2019). Leadership in nursing: The importance of nurse leaders in improving healthcare. Journal of Nursing Management, 27(8), 1510-1517.
• Stanhope, M., & Lancaster, J. (2019). Public health nursing e-book: Population-centered health care in the community. Elsevier Health Sciences.
• Tappen, R. M. (2017). Advanced Nursing Research: From Theory to Practice. Jones & Bartlett Learning.