Klyuchko, Natalya
FNU
24FALLB-NGR6970-DBX-DL02
MSN Capstone Project
Dr. Pupo PhD, RN, TNCC
11/20/2024
Nurse Practitioners in Primary Care
Question 1
Based on the information provided in this case, Advanced Nurse Practitioners should identify the health problems that affect my community and clinical setting. One reason is that these experts are trained to focus on health promotion and disease prevention. In addition, Nurse Practitioners (NPs) have the expertise to manage chronic and acute illnesses; hence, they are better positioned to address health concerns that affect the community (Htay & Whitehead, 2021). Secondly, these medical professionals undergo expert training since they are educated at advanced levels. This education equips them with the skills of assessing, diagnosing, and treating health issues effectively. Thirdly, NPs have more access to underserved areas than most medical professionals, such as physicians, since they often work in rural and underserved communities. Thus, these experts can better identify health challenges in such regions. Lastly, the NP’s scope of practice is flexible. This advantage allows the NPs to focus on any population’s most pressing health concerns.
Question 2
Part 1: Change Agents
APRNs are considered change agents when a healthcare issue is identified since they are skilled at assessing health issues in their community and workplace. In addition, these medical professionals are trained to advocate for solutions. For instance, they are trained to advocate for changes in policy and practices that can improve the quality of care delivered to patients (Mark, 2023). APRNs are also considered change agents since they have the knowledge and experience of using research and clinical guidelines to introduce new treatments and approaches that can guarantee the safety of patients. Likewise, these experts collaborate with healthcare professionals to create and execute effective plans that can benefit patients. APRNs are also change agents since they can educate patients, staff, and communities regarding health issues and solutions. For instance, they educate patients regarding lifestyle modifications that can prevent chronic illnesses such as diabetes and obesity. Lastly, APRNs are change agents because they engage in leadership roles that allow them to influence policies. This opportunity allows these experts to advocate for policies that can protect the safety of patients. Likewise, APRNs with leadership roles support policy changes that address healthcare challenges.
Part 2: Role of APRNs
I believe that APRNs should act as change agents for three reasons. First, they are trained to lead and innovate in healthcare. Second, APRNs receive advanced education compared to other nurses, meaning that they have adequate preparation that aids them in addressing the gaps that exist in healthcare. Third, APRNs meet the goal of improving healthcare outcomes and advancing their profession when they advocate for changes.
References
Htay, M., & Whitehead, D. (2021). The effectiveness of the role of advanced nurse practitioners compared to physician-led or usual care: A systematic review. International Journal of Nursing Studies Advances, 3(3), 100034.
Mark, D. (2023). Advocating for policy change: The role of advanced practice nurses in healthcare reform. Journal of Advanced Practices in Nursing, 8(4), 3.