The pioneer spirit in perioperative advanced practice--two practice examples

Perioperative nurses have options in advanced practice instead of leaving the acute care setting. One of the newest advanced practice roles is the acute care nurse practitioner (ACNP). This role may be ideal for perioperative nurses who want to remain in perioperative practice and grow clinically by pursuing advanced practice. This article presents two collaborative practice examples for the ACNP in the perioperative setting. The authors describe new frontiers in advanced perioperative practice and analyze the emerging advanced practice role of the ACNP. This challenging and exciting role is well suited to perioperative practice in a general and trauma surgery practice. The academic preparation, certification, and credentialing necessary to practice as an ACNP are explained.