Question

How does an APRN determine his/her scope of practice?

Answer 1

Ans) Nurse practitioner’s Scope of Practice:

- Reresents the full range of practice privileges allowed by certification and licensure. The American Nurses Association defines the scope of practice as the “who, what, where, when, why and how of nursing practice.” It incorporates the needs of the patient population with regard to evaluation and treatment, including the capacity to be paid for services rendered and the limitations of practice. For example, an NP is able to order diagnostic testing and prescribe medications, which is typically broader in scope than that of an RN. In addition to the practice privileges accorded for core certification within a population focus, specialty certifications can expand an NPs scope of practice through added competency and education in a specialized area of practice.

- Each state’s Nurse Practice Act will also define the NPs scope of practice based on that state’s legislation. For example, many states give NPs the authority to prescribe Schedule II controlled medications, while others limit controlled substance prescribing or require the signature of the NP plus that of the collaborating physician.
- Because a nurse practitioner utilizes theoretical knowledge and scientific process in practice, the NP has a unique combination of skills that provide a broad range of practice options. The more commonly recognized responsibilities of an NP include health care provider, educator, consultant, researcher, administrator, and coach. And, because NPs have consistently focused on health promotion and ways to reduce the impact of disease, their services have become well-respected by patients and physician colleagues alike.

- For new NPs, the scope of practice will now extend to the medical diagnosis and treatment of patients with acute, episodic, or chronic medical conditions. Many nurse practitioners working in specialty areas, and especially primary care, must become skilled at using and interpreting a wide range of diagnostic tools. While NPs do not perform complex surgical procedures, NPs can perform some invasive treatment procedures. And, at least one state includes hospital admissions within their practice scope.

- Because an NP can work in primary or specialty health care, skills that blend nursing and primary care services can be utilized in a wide variety of settings from large healthcare organizations to small free clinics. Nurse practitioners also provide care in independent and collaborative practices, hospitals, specialty clinics, long-term facilities, surgical centers, family planning clinics, school health centers, hospices, home care agencies, and health maintenance organizations.