Entrepreneurship: Assessing the Readiness of the New Jersey APN Workforce.

There is an unprecedented opportunity to move advanced practice nurses (APNs) into primary care settings at a steady rate over the next 5 to 8 years. In addition, the opportunity for nurse-owned or nurse-led practices has never been greater. However, many APNs currently work in a structured environment where the employer focuses on the business aspects of the practice and the APN focuses primarily on clinical care. Often APNs are unaware of the entrepreneurial contribution they make to the practice. A Needs Assessment Survey was developed to better understand business and practice management knowledge and skills of APNs in New Jersey. The survey included 14 categories for competency development. Twelve of the 14 categories showed that APNs were at a novice or an advanced beginner level. APNs need to demonstrate their value and take a lead to help solve primary care access issues. This can only be accomplished if APNs are willing to seize the opportunity and overcome barriers and knowledge gaps through both formal and informal education to step out of their traditional positions into more independent roles.

The practice doctorate in nursing: approaches to transform nurse practitioner education and practice.

Ongoing challenges caused by increased complexity of care, changing patient demographics, and shifting health care delivery systems are necessitating a transformation of advanced practice. The practice doctorate has the potential to prepare graduates to meet these challenges now and in the future. This article conceptualizes the practice doctorate curriculum for nurse practitioners (NPs), with particular focus on how it will prepare NPs as expert clinicians with enhanced leadership and research skills. Nurse practitioner doctoral education and practice is articulated and differentiated from current NP education and practice, with distinguishing features clearly identified. A compelling argument is made for how this educational preparation will facilitate NPs in meeting future societal needs. The purpose of this article is to provide guidance for all advanced practice educational programs considering adoption of a practice doctorate, and to contribute to the advancement of thinking about the practice doctorate for clinicians as well as educators.