Research Paper

Submitted By lbell0320
Words: 891
Pages: 4

L. Bell, RN, BSN

Advanced Practice Roles include the Nurse Practitioner and the Clinical Nurse Specialist. Please answer the following questions related to this:

Identify the similarities and differences between the Nurse Practitioner and Clinical Nurse Specialist.

CNS’s and NP’s are advance practice nursing roles that require an MSN degree and must pass a certification exam upon program completion to practice. Both can provide direct and indirect care to patients. Areas of specialization are similar: Adult, Gerontology, Pediatrics, Psychiatric, Occupational Health, Women Health. Both roles are influential and important in the care and outcomes of care for patients, healthcare organizations, and nurses (CNS’s on organizational, state/local/national level to influence policy change for nurses), (NP’s mostly on local/state/national level to influence policy and practice authority for nurses). Hamric, A. B., Spross, J.A., & Hanson, C.M. (2009). Advanced Practice Nursing: An Integrative Approach, (4th edition). (pp 351-365, 381-395, 437-439). St. Louis, Missouri: Elsevier, Inc.

CNS’s are clinical experts in a particular area and base their practice on research and theory. The focus of their practice is education, case management, administrative/management, assist in developing policies, and consultations. They lead nursing staff in education and research to help improve patient care. CNS’s are consulted in complex cases to assess patients, give an appropriate plan of care and interventions. CNS’s are a resource for patients, families, and staff with medical questions regarding their care. Hamric, A. B., Spross, J.A., & Hanson, C.M. (2009). Advanced Practice Nursing: An Integrative Approach, (4th edition). (pp 351-365). St. Louis, Missouri: Elsevier, Inc.

NP’s are clinical experts who work independently under a physician’s license/practice. The primary focus of the NP role is to the direct provision of high quality, patient centered, cost effective primary care to individuals, families, and communities. They make vital primary health care services accessible and affordable for the populations they serve. Hamric, A. B., Spross, J.A., & Hanson, C.M. (2009). Advanced Practice Nursing: An Integrative Approach, (4th edition). (pp 381-395). St. Louis, Missouri: Elsevier, Inc.

In what settings would each provide care?

CNS’s provide care in hospitals (hospital wings/departments and ICU’s), public health centers, colleges and universities, mental health facilities, long term care facilities, occupational health clinics, private settings, Veteran’s facilities and military bases (healthcare clinics). Hamric, A. B., Spross, J.A., & Hanson, C.M. (2009). Advanced Practice Nursing: An Integrative Approach, (4th edition). (pp 351-365). St. Louis, Missouri: Elsevier, Inc.

NP’s provide care in private practices, hospitals, ambulatory care clinics, public health centers, school based clinics, nursing homes, correctional facilities, urgent/acute care facilities, occupational health clinics, Veteran’s facilities, military bases (healthcare clinics), and (HMO) health maintenance organizations contracts. Hamric, A. B., Spross, J.A., & Hanson, C.M. (2009). Advanced Practice Nursing: An Integrative Approach, (4th edition). (pp 351-365, 381-395, 437-439). St. Louis, Missouri: Elsevier, Inc.

In what circumstances would each provide direct and indirect care?

CNS’s provide direct patient care in the event they cover a shortage on the unit if no other resource (RN) available. CNS’s assess and give appropriate plan of care with interventions when consulted regarding complex cases. In some states, CNS’s have prescription authority to manage patient’s care. CNS’s provide indirect patient care by working with personnel and organizational systems in clinical management, case management, develop quality control methods, lead the nursing staff in education and research, clinical staff development including