Clarifying nurse practitioners' unique contributions: application of the Shuler Nurse Practitioner Practice Model

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Delivery
• Nursing Practice
• Medical Roles

Background:

• Nurse practitioners (NPs) have been integral to healthcare teams for over three decades.
• The unique contributions of NPs in healthcare delivery are not clearly understood or defined.
• A consistent practice model is needed to articulate the blended nursing and medical scope of NP practice.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose a definitive practice model for nurse practitioners.
• To address the ambiguity surrounding the unique contributions of NPs.
• To guide NPs in demonstrating their value within the healthcare system.

Main Methods:

• This article proposes The Shuler Nurse Practitioner Practice Model.
• The model is presented as a framework for defining NP practice parameters.
• The Shuler model aims to bridge the gap in understanding NP roles.

Main Results:

• The Shuler Nurse Practitioner Practice Model offers a clear definition of NP practice.
• Adherence to this model facilitates the demonstration of unique NP contributions.
• The model provides a consistent approach to defining NP roles.

Conclusions:

• The Shuler Nurse Practitioner Practice Model is essential for clarifying NP roles.
• Consistent application of the model will enhance the visibility of NP contributions.
• Defining practice parameters is critical for the advancement of NP practice.