RESUMO
The acute care nurse practitioner (ACNP) is a unique advanced practice nursing role that has expanded since the first national certification examination became available in 1995. This article reports on the results of year 2 of an annual survey of ACNPs as part of a 5-year longitudinal study exploring ACNP role development. Responses from 545 ACNPs 2 years after national certification reveal continued development and challenges in practice. Role components continue to highlight the comprehensive care model of ACNP practice in terms of coordination of patient care, interactions with family members, consultation, and discharge planning. Important issues identified by participants including the need for clinical experience, the importance of negotiation, and networking also are discussed.
Assuntos
Profissionais de Enfermagem , Papel do Profissional de Enfermagem , Humanos , Relações Interprofissionais , Estudos Longitudinais , Área de Atuação Profissional , Salários e Benefícios , Estados UnidosRESUMO
The monitoring of outcomes is an essential component in evaluating healthcare, yet in critical illness, outcome assessments can be challenged by several factors. These factors include changing acuity levels, recurrent illness, readmission to hospitals, and patient attrition. Additional issues, particularly for elderly patients, include selecting appropriate outcome measures, overcoming barriers to patient recruitment for research, and using retention measures. This article explores issues in conducting outcomes research in acute care and uses a longitudinal prospective panel research study of elderly patients after critical illness as an example. Strategies are discussed that can be used in elderly subjects to facilitate accurate data collection in acute care outcomes research.
Assuntos
Cuidados Críticos/organização & administração , Enfermagem Geriátrica/organização & administração , Avaliação de Resultados em Cuidados de Saúde/métodos , Doença Aguda , Idoso , Humanos , Pesquisa em Administração de EnfermagemRESUMO
This article reports on the results of an ongoing survey among acute care nurse practitioners (ACNPs) as part of a 5-year longitudinal study in progress exploring role aspects and issues in practice of this new practitioner in advanced practice nursing. The role of the ACNP is progressing, and responses from 619 ACNPs 1 year after they sought national certification reveal continued role development and role challenges, along with increased independence, autonomy, and confidence in practice. Implications for ACNP educational programs and suggestions for those contemplating pursuing an ACNP position as reported by study participants are also discussed.
Assuntos
Doença Aguda/enfermagem , Descrição de Cargo , Profissionais de Enfermagem/organização & administração , Adulto , Certificação , Coleta de Dados , Emprego/estatística & dados numéricos , Feminino , Humanos , Satisfação no Emprego , Estudos Longitudinais , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Profissionais de Enfermagem/educação , Profissionais de Enfermagem/psicologia , Inquéritos e Questionários , Estados Unidos , Carga de TrabalhoRESUMO
The measurement of outcomes has become an important component of evaluating health care. Although it is clear that measuring outcomes is necessary to establish the effectiveness of advanced practicing nursing, which outcome measures to use and how to conduct an effective outcomes assessment remain unclear. The purpose of this article is to present an overview of advanced practice nursing outcomes research, review outcome measures important to advanced practice nurses (APNs), and discuss sources of outcome measures and instruments that can be used by APNs to establish the effectiveness of the role.
