Role of a Nurse Practitioner

Why I am Becoming a Nurse Practitioner:

My decision to become a Nurse Practitioner stems from a desire to:

• Increase my autonomy and scope of practice: As an NP, I will have the advanced knowledge and skills to independently assess, diagnose, and manage a wider range of patient conditions, allowing me to provide more comprehensive care.
• Develop deeper patient relationships: The NP role often allows for more time spent with patients, fostering stronger therapeutic relationships and enabling a more thorough understanding of their needs and preferences.  
• Focus on preventative care and health promotion: I am passionate about empowering individuals and families to take an active role in their health. The NP role emphasizes education and strategies to prevent illness and promote well-being.  
• Address healthcare disparities: I aim to work in settings where I can make a meaningful difference in the lives of underserved populations, improving access to quality healthcare.
• Contribute to leadership and system improvement: With advanced education and clinical experience, I aspire to contribute to healthcare policy and practice improvements within my community and beyond.

Summary of a Research Article on the Nurse Practitioner Role:

A relevant research article I found is: "The Impact of Nurse Practitioners on Hospitalizations and Discharges from Long-term Nursing Facilities: A Systematic Review" published in BMC Geriatrics (2020) by исследователи. This systematic review analyzed multiple studies examining the role of NPs in long-term care settings.  

The article's key findings highlight that the utilization of NPs as primary care providers in long-term nursing facilities is associated with decreased unnecessary hospitalizations, increased access to healthcare, and improved health outcomes for residents. NPs were found to provide timely responses, spend more time with residents, conduct more comprehensive assessments than physicians in these settings, and were linked to lower hospitalization rates for conditions like heart failure, COPD, and diabetes. The review also noted improvements in staff morale, resident satisfaction, and family satisfaction in facilities with on-site NPs.  

This article supports the significant and positive impact that Nurse Practitioners can have on patient outcomes, particularly in vulnerable populations and complex healthcare settings. It underscores the value of their comprehensive assessment skills, patient-centered approach, and ability to manage chronic conditions effectively, potentially reducing the burden on acute care services.

The Institute Of Medicine (IOM) on the Need for Nurse Practitioners:

The Institute of Medicine (now the National Academy of Medicine) has extensively addressed the crucial role of Nurse Practitioners in its landmark reports, particularly "The Future of Nursing: Leading Change, Advancing Health" (2010). These reports emphasize the need for nurses, including APRNs like Nurse Practitioners, to practice to the full extent of their education and training.  

The IOM highlighted that the changing landscape of healthcare, including the aging population, the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases, and the need for expanded access to primary care, necessitates maximizing the contributions of APRNs. The reports called for the removal of legal, regulatory, and institutional barriers that limit NP scope of practice, preventing them from fully utilizing their skills to meet the growing healthcare demands of the nation. The IOM advocated for policies that would allow NPs to practice autonomously, prescribe medications, and be reimbursed equitably for the services they provide, recognizing their potential to improve access, quality, and cost-effectiveness of care, especially in underserved areas.  

Effects as an Advanced Practice Nurse on Healthcare Industry and Patient Outcomes:

As an advanced practice nurse (specifically as an FNP), I anticipate having the following effects on the healthcare industry and patient outcomes:

Healthcare Industry:

• Increased Access to Care: By practicing in primary care settings and potentially in underserved areas, I will contribute to expanding access to essential healthcare services for individuals and families who may face barriers to care.
• Cost-Effective Care Delivery: NPs are known for providing high-quality care that is often more cost-effective than physician-led care for many primary and acute care conditions. This can help to reduce overall healthcare expenditures.  
• Filling Gaps in Provider Shortages: As the demand for healthcare services increases and physician shortages persist, particularly in primary care and rural areas, NPs can help to fill these gaps, ensuring that patients receive timely and appropriate care.  
• Enhanced Interprofessional Collaboration: NPs are trained to collaborate effectively with physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals, fostering a team-based approach to care that can improve communication and coordination.  
• Contribution to Evidence-Based Practice: As APRNs, we are educated in research and are equipped to implement and contribute to evidence-based practice, promoting the use of the most effective and up-to-date clinical guidelines.  

Patient Outcomes:

• Improved Patient Satisfaction: The patient-centered approach of NP care, with a focus on communication, education, and shared decision-making, often leads to higher levels of patient satisfaction.  
• Better Management of Chronic Diseases: NPs are skilled in the comprehensive management of chronic conditions, empowering patients to actively participate in their care and achieve better health outcomes.  
• Enhanced Focus on Prevention and Wellness: By emphasizing health promotion, education, and lifestyle modifications, I aim to help patients prevent illness and improve their overall well-being.
• Reduced Hospitalizations and Emergency Department Visits: Effective primary care management by NPs can help to prevent acute exacerbations of chronic conditions and address health concerns before they escalate, potentially reducing the need for hospitalizations and emergency department visits.  
• More Holistic and Individualized Care: The comprehensive assessment skills and patient-centered philosophy of NP practice allow for the delivery of care that is tailored to the unique needs and circumstances of each individual and family.  

By embracing the role of a Family Nurse Practitioner, I am committed to contributing to a healthcare system that is more accessible, affordable, equitable, and focused on improving the health and well-being of the individuals and families I serve in Kenya.

As an experienced registered nurse seeking to expand my impact on patient care and the healthcare system, I am drawn to the advanced practice role of a Nurse Practitioner.

Description of an Advanced Nurse Practitioner Role: Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)

I am particularly interested in the role of a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP). FNPs are Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) who provide comprehensive healthcare to individuals and families across the lifespan, from infancy to old age. Their scope of practice is broad and encompasses health promotion, disease prevention, diagnosis and management of acute and chronic illnesses, ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests, prescribing medications, and providing patient education and counseling. FNPs work in a variety of settings, including primary care clinics, hospitals, schools, community health centers, and private practices. They often serve as primary care providers, offering a holistic and patient-centered approach to healthcare, emphasizing wellness and collaboration with patients and their familie