Utilization of the acute care nurse practitioner in lung transplantation

Acute care nurse practitioners (ACNPs) are uniquely positioned to serve the inpatient population and provide continuation of care as the patient is reintegrated into the community. Currently, there are many well-defined roles that can be expanded upon to utilize the skills of an ACNP. The lung transplant coordinator role is one example of an advanced practice position that lends itself toward evolution. ACNPs have an educational and clinical focus in caring for the acutely ill patient within the hospital setting. In addition, ACNPs have a working knowledge base in preventive care and basic outpatient management. This combination creates a situation by which the ACNP can comfortably manage an acute population in the hospital or at home. There are many new and exciting opportunities for ACNPs, as they are becoming more visible to the rest of the healthcare community.