Acute-care nurse practitioners: roles and practice profiles

The purpose of this study was to explore aspects of the acute-care nurse practitioner (ACNP) role. The first certification examination for ACNPs was administered in December 1995. In January 1996, all applicants were mailed a study questionnaire about their practice. Responses were received from 125...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inAACN clinical issues Vol. 8; no. 1; p. 156
Main Author Kleinpell, R M
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published United States 01.02.1997
Subjects
Adult
Female
Humans
Job Description
Job Satisfaction
Male
Middle Aged
Nurse Practitioners - education
Nurse Practitioners - organization & administration
Nursing Evaluation Research
Professional Autonomy
Surveys and Questionnaires
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Summary:The purpose of this study was to explore aspects of the acute-care nurse practitioner (ACNP) role. The first certification examination for ACNPs was administered in December 1995. In January 1996, all applicants were mailed a study questionnaire about their practice. Responses were received from 125 of the 136 applicants (93% response rate). Work settings included hospital-based specialty and unit-based areas, urgent-care centers, and multipractice clinics. Predominant role components were conducting histories and physical examinations, prescribing treatments, and performing therapeutic procedures. Although long hours, resistance and uncertainty about the role, and perceived low salary exist, advantages identified reflect the role's autonomy, broad scope of practice, and contributions to collaborative care. Further exploration of roles, practice issues and outcomes of care will provide additional information about this new practitioner in advanced practice nursing.
ISSN:1079-0713
DOI:10.1097/00044067-199702000-00019