Assuring quality and access in advanced practice nursing: a challenge to nurse educators

Area of Science:

• Healthcare policy
• Nursing practice
• Public health

Background:

• Projected primary care provider surplus necessitates re-evaluation of healthcare roles.
• Public demand for higher quality, cost-effective healthcare is increasing.
• Advanced practice nurses (APNs) possess unique skills valuable in primary care and beyond.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the evolving role of APNs in primary care.
• To highlight the distinctive contributions of APNs to health outcomes.
• To advocate for distinct titles and certifications for APNs in advanced practice roles.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of current healthcare trends and policy developments.
• Review of literature on APN scope of practice and patient outcomes.
• Examination of regulatory and governmental authorization for independent APN practice.

Main Results:

• APNs offer value-added skills such as health education, disease prevention, and health promotion.
• Government and regulatory bodies are increasingly authorizing independent practice for APNs.
• A Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree can standardize APN competency with other doctoral-level health professionals.

Conclusions:

• APNs are crucial for delivering high-quality, cost-effective primary care.
• Distinctive titles and certifications are needed to reflect the advanced practice roles of APNs.
• The DNP degree can elevate the perception and recognition of APNs within the healthcare system.