Addressing the Health Care Delivery Needs in the Acute Care Setting by Developing a Postmaster's Acute Care...

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Advanced Practice Nursing
• Healthcare Workforce Development

Background:

• New Jersey has over 4,000 certified advanced practice nurses (APNs) across 17 specialties.
• APNs practice in diverse settings, including ambulatory, inpatient, and long-term care, without state-imposed limitations.
• A trend requires primary care-educated APNs in inpatient settings to obtain acute care certification.

Purpose of the Study:

• To address the educational needs of primary care-educated APNs transitioning to acute care.
• To describe the needs assessment and development plan for a new postmaster's certificate program.
• To prepare APNs for the complexities of acute care delivery.

Main Methods:

• Conducted a needs assessment to identify educational gaps for APNs.
• Developed a postmaster's certificate program curriculum tailored to acute care needs.
• Secured approval for the program from Rutgers School of Nursing faculty.

Main Results:

• A postmaster's certificate program has been developed and approved.
• The program is designed to meet the specific educational requirements for APNs moving into acute care.
• The first cohort has not yet been admitted, with implementation planned for the near future.

Conclusions:

• There is a clear need for specialized education for primary care APNs entering acute care in New Jersey.
• The developed postmaster's certificate program aims to bridge this educational gap.
• This initiative supports the evolving roles and needs of advanced practice nurses in the state.