Advancing nursing practice: acute care nurse practitioners meet challenges at and beyond the health care horizon

Preparation of advanced practice nurses (APNs) with acute care skills relevant to today's health care environment is a challenge faced by nurse educators, care providers, professional organizations, and regulatory agencies. The acute care nurse practitioner (ACNP) is prepared to provide multidimensional, risk-appropriate management of medically vulnerable patients with serious illness in a variety of settings. ACNPs conduct comprehensive health assessments, order and interpret diagnostic tests, diagnose and manage health problems and disease-related symptoms, prescribe and evaluate drugs and treatments, and coordinate care during setting transitions. Working independently and collaboratively the ACNP enhances access to care and quality of care for patients and families through cost-effective, outcome-oriented practice. This article describes health care market factors fostering ACNP practice, ACNP practice domain, the University of Washington ACNP program, and collaborative contributions from educators, care providers, professional organizations, and regulatory groups needed to implement the role.