You will compare and contrast advanced practice nursing and related frameworks to develop, integrate, sustain, and evaluate the role of the nurse practitioner within primary health care. In this course you will critically analyze and develop strategies to implement advanced practice nursing competencies with a focus on the community.
You should examine the legislation that shapes the role, the defined scope of practice and application of the College of Nurses of Ontario Nurse Practitioner Practice Standard (2019) and Entry-Level Competencies for NPs (2018). The content in this as well as other CNO practice standards will be threaded throughout each module and it is expected that this new knowledge around professional responsibilities can and will be applied in your clinical courses. The overall goal is to ensure that you learn what constitutes safe and effective practice as an NP.
In this course, you will incorporate concepts of policy and politics and discuss, challenge and debate current policy issues that shape and govern your career as a Primary Health Care Nurse Practitioner. In your assignments, you will also incorporate knowledge of Interprofessional collaboration, research and evidence-based practice, leadership, and ethical and legal issues. Finally, you will also consider the various settings in which NPs practice and you will interview a NP in a practice setting that will further your eventual transition into NP practice.
In your new and exciting role as an NP, keep in mind that you will always be building upon your knowledge, skill and judgment as a RN. The knowledge and experience that you bring to this program should remain your foundation, as you expand your perspective and share new thoughts and ways of doing things with your fellow learners.
This course is offered online through learning modules, online plenaries, small group virtual classroom presentations and discussions with colleagues from across the province, and online discussion forums.