What is the Nurse Practitioner Role?
The purpose of the following section is to provide an overview of the nurse practitioner role as an advanced nursing practice role. After reviewing this section, employers and preceptors should have a better understanding of the role of the nurse practitioner (NP), the types of educational experiences needed to educate nurses to make the transition to the NP role, and the suitability of a preceptorship program in your agency. The information is organized according to key points which will assist in your decision-making for becoming a clinical site. Key concepts and terms within each point have been elaborated on in the boxes below. A variety of resources have been used with links to the library or other sites for further information.
Who are these students?
There are similarities but also differences when precepting nursing students in undergraduate programs versus those entering nurse practitioner programs. First, they are both students, and therefore share common concerns based on adult learning. The major difference is that NP students are already registered nurses and bring with them nursing expertise. They are in the process of gaining the knowledge and skills to develop their nursing practice beyond what is now the legislated scope of practice for registered nurses. Traditional models of perceptorship for undergraduate nursing students can provide information applicable for NP education; however modifications are required to meet the unique characteristics of the advanced nursing practice role.
Point #1: The nurse practitioner is an advanced practice nurse who engages in advanced nursing practice.
Point #2: The nurse practitioner role is a valued member of the health care team and can benefit your organization by providing services as educator, leader, consultant, practitioner and/or researcher.
Point #3: The scope of practice for the nurse practitioner in Ontario is defined by additional controlled acts above those legislated to Registered Nurses.
Point #4: The successful implementation of the nurse practitioner role into agencies is important for successful integration into the health care system.
Point #1: The nurse practitioner is an advanced practice nurse who engages in advanced nursing practice.
Canadian Nurses Association |
The preceptor is a health professional with ongoing responsibility for client care who can assist the learner in developing knowledge and skill because of his/her clinical expertise and proximity to clients. Advanced Nursing Practice (ANP)
Characteristics of ANP
The Nurse Practitioner: Position Statement A nurse practitioner (NP) is an advanced practice nurse. The NP’s practice is:
NPs can:
NPs work:
NPs practice requires:
For more information, refer to:
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Canadian Nurse Practitioner Initiative
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In a literature review prepared by Jane Fahey-Walsh for the Practice Component of the Canadian Nurse Practitioner Initiative, she reported an historical account of the development of the concept of advanced nursing practice. A few statements are listed below; however, for a more comprehensive overview go to the link provided.
For more information, refer to:
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Point #2: The nurse practitioner role is a valued member of the health care team and can benefit your organization by providing services as educator, leader, consultant, practitioner and/or researcher.
Role Functions of Nurse Practitioners in Clinical Practice |
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Patterson, C. (1999). Are nurse practitioners contributing to the growth of the nursing profession. In C. Patterson (Ed.), Visions and voices: The nurse practitioner today (pp.23-24). Brantford, ON: JPatt Publishing Inc. (see p.226 in APA manual) For more information, refer to:
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Point #3: The scope of practice for the nurse practitioner in Ontario is defined by additional controlled acts above those legislated to Registered Nurses.
Practice Standards: Registered Nurses in Extended Class |
A Registered Nurse (RN) who earns Extended Class designation [RN(EC)] has successfully demonstrated her/his competence to the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO) as a Primary Health Care Nurse Practitioner (NP-PHC). In addition to upholding the standards of practice for RNs in the General Class, RN(EC)s are expected to meet the following Extended Class standards of practice. Competencies specific to the NP scope of practice NPs can diagnose and manage the care of clients with acute and/or chronic physical and/or mental disease, disorders or conditions. NPs are also a resource to other nurses and health care professionals; they provide leadership in advocating for clients at the point of care, across organizations and/or at the health system/policy level. NPs demonstrate competencies in the following areas:
In addition to the above controlled acts for nurses, NPs can initiate and perform the following controlled acts: 1) communicate to a client or his or her representative a diagnosis made by the NP that determines, as the cause of a client’s symptoms, a disease or disorder identified from the client’s health history, the findings of a comprehensive examination, or the results of any laboratory tests or other tests and investigations that the NP can order or perform; 2) prescribe a drug, or category of drugs, as designated in the regulations; 3) administer a drug by inhalation or injection that NPs may prescribe; and 4) order the application of a form of energy as prescribed in the regulations, such as an ultrasound. For more information, refer to:
Lists:
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Point #4: The successful implementation of the nurse practitioner role into agencies is important for successful integration into the health care system.
Implementation and Evaluation Toolkit for Nurse Practitioners in Canada |
A Toolkit was developed to assist users to assess the need for NP services and to provide a stepwise approach to integration and evaluation of the NP role in agencies. Other Canadian Nurse Practitioner Initiative documents on the Canadian Nurses Association website may also be useful as you explore the need for nurse practitioners in your agency. The toolkit will be able to answer many of your questions on entry to practice issues such as establishing policies, creating supportive environments, negotiating the role, deciding on reimbursement mechanisms, building teams, networking and much more.
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The NP Course Evaluations form is now available from March 24th to May 2nd 2014 inclusive.
No problem to report.