Role Transition Discussion 1
Advanced Practice Nurses (APNs) have progressed from what it once was in previous years. It is still evolving today and will continue for many more years to come. Although there have been many positive changes for the profession, there are still barriers that are slowing down the progress of the profession. In this discussion I will discuss three barriers that currently still exist in the Advanced Practice Nurse (APN) profession.
The first barrier I will discuss is that APNs face regulatory barriers that limit their scope of practice depending on where they live. Despite their knowledge, skills, and education, many APNs are required to collaborate with physicians’ supervision (Chapman et al., 2019). In many states, the APN’s education does not match what type of care they are allowed to provide. In addition to that, many of the states where physician supervision is required for APNs, it was reported that the additional costs and the administrative burdens related to obtaining and documenting supervision created more issues within the field (Kleinpell et al., 2023). One way to address this is by advocating revising the regulations. We can achieve this by collaborating with the policy makers to create policies to match the education and training of APNs with the needs of the community.
The second barrier is the traditional care that once was in healthcare showing opposition to change, which in turn is impeding the incorporation of the APN. This resistance is presently stalling the collaboration and full potential of the APN’s skills. One way we can address this is by encouraging more collaboration within the healthcare field. In turn, this will create fellowship amongst providers, and also help others value the skills and knowledge that the APN brings to the profession.
Lastly, the third barrier is the community’s absence to recognize the competence and qualifications that the Advanced Practice Nurse possesses. Many patients are skeptical about allowing an APN to assist them or provide them with care, which in turn impedes the expansion of the role of the APN. It is a vital step in educating patients that the APN is fully capable of managing diseases, promoting health, as well as diagnosing and treating their acute and chronic illnesses. Also, informing patients that the APN is fully qualified to be their provider as well as working in conjunction with the Physician. It is important for patients to understand that the APN is able to collaborate with other health care professionals to provide to patients with quality care. In teaching the public about the skills and knowledge of an APN, it will establish trust and welcome the APN as a respected provider. It will also shed a more positive light on the public’s perspective.
In conclusion, correcting the barriers will make way for much more needed progress in the APN profession. Working on regulatory changes, collaboration between healthcare professionals, and educating our community will help correct these challenges. If APNs can work at the full potential of their education and skill set, it will help improve our patient outcomes, patient experiences, and our healthcare system all together.
References
Chapman, S. A., Toretsky, C., & Phoenix, B. J. (2019). Enhancing psychiatric mental health
nurse practitioner practice: impact of state scope of practice regulations. Journal of
Nursing Regulation, 10(1), 35-43. https://doi.org/10.1016/S2155-8256(19)30081-X
Hamric, A. B., Hanson, C. M., Tracy, M. F., & O’Grady, E. T. (2013). Advanced practice
nursing-E-Book: An integrative approach (5th ed.). Elsevier Health Sciences.
Kleinpell, R., Myers, C. R., & Schorn, M. N. (2023). Addressing barriers to aprn practice:
Policy and regulatory implications during COVID-19. Journal of Nursing Regulation, 14(1),
13–20. https://doi.org/10.1016/s2155-8256(23)00064-9