Advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) are healthcare professionals with proper training in nursing and post-graduate degrees in the given field. For APRNs, the Consensus Model plays a crucial role for several reasons. For example, it advises legislatures of various states on how to implement clarity in the regulation of APRN responsibilities, licensing, certification, accreditation, and training (APRN Consensus Model, n.d.). The primary objectives of the Consensus Model are to protect community health, improve APRN employment, promote an adequate field of expertise, and improve affordable healthcare (APRN Consensus Model, 2021). Thus, advanced practice registered nurses are directly impacted by the Consensus Model.
When it comes to the difference between APRNs and the registered nurses (RNs), the main factor is the scope of responsibilities. For example, the latter provide treatment to patients and prepare them for medical visits. Their responsibilities include testing blood pressure and preparing patients for a doctor’s visit, as well as instructing them on necessary follow-up treatment (Cooper et al., 2019). In turn, ARNPs are professionals who are authorized to administer drugs, identify conditions, and treat patients (Cooper et al., 2019). Furthemore, ARNPs should coordinate a medical team to arrange and assess a person’s treatment. Therefore, ARNPs will execute tasks that fall outside of the scope of a registered nurse’s obligations.
Thus, the impact of the Consensus Model on the APRNs lies within the regulation of the latter’s certification, accreditation, and training. Aside from this, the Consensus Model ensures and promotes overall community health and offers employment for APRNs. As for the difference between the APRNs and APNs, the former have autonomy when treating patients and coordinating a medical team. Meanwhile, the latter is not licensed to perform the same responsibilities.
References
APRN Consensus Model. (n.d.). NCSBN. Web.
APRN Consensus Model. (2021). APNA. Web.
Cooper, M. A., McDowell, J., Raeside, L., & ANP–CNS Group. (2019). The similarities and differences between advanced nurse practitioners and clinical nurse specialists. British Journal of Nursing, 28(20), 1308-1314.