NU-626 Herzing University – Develop a personal philosophy and framework acknowledging professional and accrediting agency competencies relating to the role and scope of practice of the family nurse practitioner.

QUESTION

Develop a personal philosophy and framework acknowledging professional and accrediting agency competencies relating to the role and scope of practice of the family nurse practitioner. Identify a nurse theorist or professional accrediting agency that provides the foundation for this philosophy development.

Describe the type of educational courses and professional requirements required for APN professional certification and licensing within the state that you will practice in and compare to at least one other state for evaluation purposes.

Identify the precise application process for boards, your state regulations for application for prescriptive practice, and issues related to APN practice within your state (FL).

Evaluate and discuss APN roles and prescriptive privileges and impact on client safety and care.

Compare the differences between prescriptive authority, credentialing, and clinical privileges and how each of these impact client safety and care.

Evaluate the development of the advanced practice nurse role from a global perspective. Compare at least 2 countries and how similar or dissimilar the APN roles are in other countries.

ANSWER

Advancing Family Nurse Practitioner Practice: A Holistic Approach

Introduction

As a family nurse practitioner (FNP), it is important to develop a personal philosophy and framework that encompasses the professional and accrediting agency competencies related to our role and scope of practice. This philosophy will guide our approach to patient care, incorporating the principles of a renowned nursing theorist or professional accrediting agency. Additionally, understanding the educational requirements, professional certifications, and licensing processes in different states allows for a comprehensive evaluation of the FNP role. Furthermore, exploring the nuances of prescriptive authority, credentialing, and clinical privileges is crucial to ensuring client safety and care. Finally, comparing the development of the advanced practice nurse (APN) role on a global scale highlights similarities and differences in APN practice across various countries.

Personal Philosophy and Framework

In developing a personal philosophy, the nursing theorist that provides a strong foundation for the FNP role is Martha E. Rogers. Rogers’ theory of unitary human beings emphasizes the interconnectedness of individuals with their environment and the importance of a holistic approach to healthcare (Martha E. Rogers – Nursing Theory, 2022). Incorporating this theory into FNP practice promotes a focus on individualized care, addressing the physical, emotional, and social aspects of patients and their families.

Educational Courses and Professional Requirements for APN Certification and Licensing

In the state of Florida, the educational requirements for APN professional certification and licensing typically include a master’s or doctoral degree in nursing, with a specialization in family nursing. Accredited programs must meet the criteria set forth by the Florida Board of Nursing and include didactic coursework and supervised clinical experiences. Upon completion of the program, candidates must pass a national certification examination, such as the Family Nurse Practitioner Certification (FNP-BC) offered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).

Comparing to another state, such as California, the educational requirements for APN professional certification and licensing are similar. However, California also requires a separate state-specific certification exam in addition to the national certification examination.

Application Process for Boards and Prescriptive Practice Regulations in Florida

 To apply for APN certification and licensure in Florida, individuals must submit an application to the Florida Board of Nursing, including proof of education, national certification, and a fee (Toney-Butler, 2023). The application process also involves a criminal background check and verification of professional references.

Regarding prescriptive practice, APNs in Florida must complete a graduate-level pharmacology course and apply for a separate Controlled Substance Prescriptive Authority license. The APN must collaborate with a supervising physician and follow specific protocols established by the Florida Board of Nursing and the Board of Medicine.

Issues related to APN practice within Florida include the scope of practice restrictions, such as limitations on independent practice and the requirement for physician collaboration. These restrictions can hinder APNs’ ability to provide timely and accessible care to patients, particularly in underserved areas.

APN Roles and Prescriptive Privileges

APNs play a vital role in improving access to quality healthcare and enhancing patient outcomes. With prescriptive privileges, APNs can prescribe medications, including controlled substances, within their scope of practice. This authority allows for greater autonomy in patient care and timely management of acute and chronic conditions.

Prescriptive authority, credentialing, and clinical privileges each have distinct impacts on client safety and care. Prescriptive authority enables APNs to provide comprehensive care, prescribing medications that are appropriate and necessary for patients’ health. Credentialing ensures that APNs meet specific educational and competency standards, ensuring a high level of quality care. Clinical privileges grant APNs the authority to perform specific procedures or interventions, promoting efficient and effective patient management.

APN Role Development from a Global Perspective: The development of the APN role varies across countries, influenced by healthcare systems, regulatory frameworks, and cultural factors (Wheeler et al., 2022). Comparing the APN roles in the United States and Canada, both countries recognize the importance of APNs in primary care and offer a wide scope of practice. However, the specifics of regulation, education, and prescriptive authority may differ.

In contrast, countries like the United Kingdom and Australia have a more centralized approach to APN regulation, with specific pathways for advanced nursing practice. These countries typically require additional education, certification, and registration with professional bodies to practice as APNs. The roles of APNs in these countries often involve a mix of clinical practice, research, education, and leadership within the healthcare system.

Conclusion

Developing a personal philosophy and framework rooted in nursing theory and professional accrediting agency competencies is essential for family nurse practitioners. Understanding the educational requirements, professional certifications, and licensing processes in different states allows for a comprehensive evaluation of the FNP role. Exploring prescriptive authority, credentialing, and clinical privileges is crucial to ensuring client safety and care. Finally, comparing APN roles globally highlights the similarities and differences in practice, paving the way for continued growth and collaboration in advanced nursing practice worldwide.

References

Martha E. Rogers – Nursing Theory. (2022b, June 15). Nursing Theory. https://nursing-theory.org/nursing-theorists/Martha-E-Rogers.php 

Toney-Butler, T. J. (2023, January 2). Florida Nurse Practice Act Laws and Rules. StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK532859/ 

Wheeler, K. J., Miller, M., Pulcini, J., Gray, D., Ladd, E., & Rayens, M. K. (2022). Advanced Practice Nursing Roles, Regulation, Education, and Practice: A Global Study. Annals of Global Health, 88(1). https://doi.org/10.5334/aogh.3698