Compare the primary care NP role with other APN roles. What are the similarities among the roles, what are the differences, and how would you communicate the role to a healthcare provider and a consumer?
Primary Care NP Role vs. APN Roles
Autonomy and Scope: All APNs practice with a significant degree of clinical autonomy and advanced knowledge, exceeding the scope of a generalist RN. They are responsible for making complex decisions regarding patient care.
Certification: All roles require national certification in their specialty and maintenance of licensure and credentialing.
Focus on Holistic Care: Consistent with the nursing model, all APNs incorporate a holistic, patient-centered approach that considers the physical, emotional, and social needs of the patient, unlike the typically disease-focused model of medical doctors.
Differences Among APN Roles
The primary differences lie in the practice setting, patient population, and scope of clinical activities (the "what and where" of practice).
Sample Answer
Comparing the Primary Care NP Role with Other Advanced Practice Nursing (APN) Roles
The primary care Nurse Practitioner (NP) is one of several types of Advanced Practice Nurses (APNs). APN is an umbrella term encompassing four main roles: Nurse Practitioner (NP), Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA), Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM), and Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS).
Similarities Among APN Roles
All APN roles share the following fundamental similarities:
Foundation in Nursing: All APNs must first be registered nurses (RNs) and hold a minimum of a Master's degree (and increasingly a Doctor of Nursing Practice or DNP) in a specialized area.
Four Pillars of Practice: APNs practice is characterized by four core roles: clinical practice, education, research, and leadership/consultation.