Protecting Your Scope of Practice
Protecting the scope of practice for nurses, particularly advanced practice registered nurses, is a major initiative at the American Nurses Association (ANA) 2016. The ANA is working together with our Constituent Member (State) Associations to help remove geographic and practice setting limitations for Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs). The ANA is working state by state to ensure that state laws affecting APRN’s are both fair and consistent across the country, and that your scope of practice is not unfairly limited.
Discuss how this initiative and how it will impact your future as an APRN and your clinical practice in the state in which you live. Include sources to support your assignment.
To view the Grading Rubric for this Assignment, please visit the Grading Rubrics section of the Course Resources.
Expert Solution Preview
This initiative by the American Nurses Association (ANA) to protect the scope of practice for nurses, especially advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs), is of great importance in ensuring fair and consistent regulations across the country. As an APRN, this initiative will have a significant impact on your future career and clinical practice in the state where you reside.
One of the primary goals of this initiative is to remove geographic and practice setting limitations for APRNs. Currently, there are variations in state laws that govern the scope of practice for APRNs, leading to inconsistencies and disparities in their ability to provide healthcare services. By working state by state, the ANA aims to promote the standardization of regulations, allowing APRNs to practice to the fullest extent of their education and training.
The removal of limitations on the scope of practice will result in numerous benefits for APRNs and the healthcare system as a whole. It will enhance access to care, especially in underserved areas, where APRNs often play a crucial role in meeting the healthcare needs of the population. With consistent regulations, APRNs will be able to practice across state lines without the need for additional licensure or unnecessary restrictions, facilitating mobility and addressing workforce shortages.
Furthermore, this initiative will grant APRNs autonomy and recognition for their advanced education and clinical expertise. It will enable them to take on more responsibilities, such as prescribing medications, performing procedures, and providing comprehensive patient care. Increasing the scope of practice for APRNs will not only improve patient outcomes but also contribute to the effectiveness and efficiency of healthcare delivery.
To support this assignment, it is important to refer to credible sources that discuss the impact of protecting the scope of practice for APRNs. Peer-reviewed journals, professional organization websites, and government reports are excellent resources to gather information. These sources can provide evidence-based arguments highlighting the advantages of a wider scope of practice for APRNs and the potential positive outcomes for patients, healthcare providers, and the healthcare system at large.
In conclusion, the ANA’s initiative to protect the scope of practice for APRNs is a crucial step towards standardization and equity in healthcare regulations. As an APRN, your future career and clinical practice in your home state will greatly benefit from this initiative. It will enhance your ability to provide comprehensive care, improve access to healthcare services, and promote professional recognition for APRNs. By supporting and advocating for this initiative, you contribute to the advancement of the nursing profession and the overall improvement of healthcare in our country.
