Advanced Nurse Practitioner Case Study

Words: 2802
Pages: 12

Abstract
The changing health care and the reform efforts of the current legislation is resulting in an increase of health care providers, specifically the Advanced Nurse Practitioner (APN) in the primary settings. The purpose of this paper is to focus on the vital role of the Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) in the health care system. Throughout the paper, emphasis will be given to the APNs historical background, education, core competencies as well as the strengths and limitations of the nursing practice. To meet the demand, improve quality, patient safety outcomes, and cost control have called for expanding the ANP role in the primary care and promoting their optimal Utilization. Understanding these concepts allows for the realization and
…show more content…
During this time, misdistribution of health care resources, service and physicians supported the advancement of the APN role (Fairmen, 2008; Stanley, 2011). Providing an ideal environment for the growth of the nursing profession, formal education and training programs began to emerge. Loretta Ford and Pediatrician Henry Silver at the University of Colorado, made several attempts to expand the role of nurses (Denisco & Barker, 2013). The Western Interstate Commission on Higher Education for Nursing (WICHEN) project provided a catalyst for the change in the healthcare environment and the education of graduate nurses (Yoder-Wise, 2011; Stanley, 2011). According to Stanley (2011) the project’s focus is on professional direct/patient care, health and wellness, collegiality with physician and a prevention-oriented care including consumer education. This model affords the APN an opportunity to assess independently while collaborating with physicians and families in providing high quality care (Stanley, …show more content…
In one observational study the APNs spent more time with patients, a mean of 11.57 minutes compared with 7.28 minutes by general physicians. (Venning, 2000). Hence, the satisfaction questionnaires showed patients were more satisfied after consultations with nurses linked with longer consultations, over 85%. (Venning, 2000). Their role provides compassionate care and service to people in times of illness and suffering (Koloroutis, 2004).
First and foremost the FNP is a nurse and “a nurses’ therapeutic relationship with the patient is a privileged, the sacred trust and the cornerstone of Professional Nursing Practice” (pg. 117). The advance role of a nurse must develop and maintain their nursing social responsibility, which is demonstrated in delegated practice, independent practice and interdependent practice (p. 124). Nurses value patient and family-centered care and champion the priorities and perspectives of patients and families (Reed, 2014). When this is achieved by the APN the patients, and their families receive the highest quality nursing care and service. Watt et al (2009), states that out of the six specific skills of APRNs: self-management, decision support, delivery system design, clinical information systems, community resources, and organizational support, they had the greatest role in self-management, decision support,