Research the role of the Nurse Practitioner.
Select and describe an Advanced Nurse Practitioner role.
Why are you becoming a Nurse Practitioner?
Find one research article, expert opinion about the Nurse Practitioner role and summarize the article.
What does the Institute Of Medicine (IOM) say about the need of Nurse Practitioners?
Identify and describe the effects that you will have as an advanced practice nurse in terms of healthcare industry and patient outcomes.
Initial Role Definition and Scope EstablishedMy initial broad searches successfully defined the Nurse Practitioner (NP) role, confirming they are advanced practice nurses with graduate degrees (Master's or Doctorate) who can assess, diagnose, treat, and prescribe. I've noted that their scope of practice, including independence, is highly dependent on state laws, and they are regulated through state licensure and national certification. This covers the fundamental definition, though I need to specifically look for the history and evolution of the role.Selecting a Specialized Role for DetailThe search results provided a list of Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) roles and specialties, including Nurse Midwives and Clinical Nurse Specialists. Based on the commonality and versatility described in the results, I have selected the **Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)** role to describe in detail, as it provides primary care across the lifespan. I will be conducting a targeted search to gather specific details on the FNP's scope, patient population, and practice settings.
Structuring the Research ApproachI'm initiating a comprehensive research effort focusing on the Advanced Nurse Practitioner (ANP) role. I've broken down the user's request into five core areas: the foundational role of the NP, a detailed look at specific ANP specialties, the rationale and typical professional motivations for pursuing this career path, the evidence base and key policy guidance (specifically from the Institute of Medicine - IOM), and the measurable impact NPs have on patient outcomes and the broader healthcare industry. This structured approach ensures I cover all required elements efficiently.Addressing Core Information NeedsTo build a robust foundation, my initial actions are designed for breadth, covering the definition, history, and scope of practice of Nurse Practitioners, alongside the typical career transitions observed. I am also immediately targeting the specialized information required, such as descriptions of Advanced Nurse Practitioner roles and policy insights from key organizations like the IOM/NAM regarding the necessity of NPs in modern healthcare.