- Published: September 16, 2022
- Updated: September 16, 2022
- University / College: Boston College
- Level: College Admission
- Language: English
- Downloads: 2
Role of the advanced practice nurse: Differences of RN and NP role emphasized from the Spain article name:
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Differences of RN and NP role emphasized from the Spain article
Although a registered nurse (RN) and nurse practitioner (NP) follow a nursing career by providing care to patients, differences are in their job descriptions and nursing education requirements as explained below:
1. Nursing education requirements
RNs education choice includes a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing or an associate nursing degree. NPs have a master’s degree in nursing or a higher education level. RNs are general healthcare nurses, while NPs are advanced practice nurses who have roles outside the realm of an RN’s duties.
2. Job descriptions
a. Communication
In regard to communication as written by Spain, DeCristofaro, & Smith (2004), NPs use a clinical decision-making worksheet a tool that eases organization of information, which reinforces documentation and communication as well as a design that can increase clinical problem solving (p. 535). On the other hand, an RN always communicates through their ‘ nursing forms’.
b. Documentation and reporting
In regard to documentation and reporting, the NP is expected to recognize and support a medical diagnosis while an RN is restricted by nurse practice act definitions. Moreover, an NP writes documentation that is constant with reimbursement codes, while an RN holds on to the values of addressing the individual from a holistic point of view (Spain et al., 2004).
c. Skills
RNs are educated to share information in a stylized writing that consist redundant or superfluous data. An excellent example is where the nurse receives a patient and records “ received patient awake and alert” where no observation is required in regards to the individual neurological status and may implant the major complication in slang. The RN has a scientific education background that helps them in recognizing patients’ emotional needs (Claywell, 2013). The fulfillment of this profession depends on the possession of practical knowledge such as current treatment measures, the science of diseases and physiology. The NP on the other hand, is in a position to employ critical thinking expertise to develop hypothesis, ranking them by expectation and making decision on what more information is required, therapeutic intervention plan and formulating a final impression. The NP also possesses the nine core competencies regardless of the setting (Thomas et. Al., 2011).
References
Claywell, L. (2013). LPN to RN transitions. Elsevier Health Sciences.
Spain, M. P., DeCristofaro, C., & Smith, C. A. (2004). Educating advanced practice nurses
for collaborative practice in the multidisciplinary provider team. Journal of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners, 16(12), 535-546.
Thomas, A. C., Dumas, M. A., Kleinpell, R., Logsdon, M. C., Julie Marfell, D. N. P., &
Nativio, D. G. (2011). NURSE PRACTITIONER CORE COMPETENCIES April 2011 Amended 2012.