Abstract
This paper examines the motivations for the professional advancement of advanced practice nurses and their role within the healthcare system. The responsibilities of nurse practitioners (NPs) in the healthcare service include direct patient care, care coordination, collaboration, meticulous documentation, prescription management, patient education, and advocacy. NPs’ mission is based on evidence-based care and a culture of dialogue and partnership. At the same time, the vision seeks to establish NPs as reputable leaders in healthcare and foster healthier communities step by step.
Introduction
The road to becoming a qualified NP is long and requires a deep dedication to the profession. In particular, it is essential to understand one’s motivation and have a clear idea of what this journey will entail. In this paper, I will discuss the reasons for becoming a nurse practitioner in the field, the responsibilities of NPs, as well as the mission and vision statements, and outline my personal professional goals.
Choosing to Be a Nurse Practitioner
Before embarking on a career path as a nurse practitioner, it is essential to understand why one chooses this profession. There are numerous reasons why someone would choose this profession, ranging from spiritual to more practical ones. The first reason is the most important one for many people, and that is the ability to help others. This profession is highly altruistic, requiring a high level of readiness to assist others. NPs are also in high demand, and this demand is expected to continue growing due to the trend of an aging population (Auerbach et al., 2020). Finally, they can specialize in various fields and continue their learning throughout their entire career.
Vision
As a nurse practitioner, I envision myself working in a Primary Care private practice setting, serving a diverse population across the entire age range, from infants to older adults. I aim to gain experience across all age groups and remain committed to ongoing learning to deliver the best possible care. One of the key aspects of my vision as an NP is a focus on holistic care: I am committed to considering not only the physical health of patients, but also their emotional and social well-being. I also plan to be an educator in my profession, informing patients about disease prevention and healthy lifestyle choices (Heinen et al, 2019). I am committed to developing my cultural competence and providing culturally sensitive care.
Responsibilities
Within the healthcare system, NPs have various responsibilities, and numerous aspects are associated with their role. A crucial aspect is their involvement in direct patient care. In nurse-patient interactions, advanced practice nurses are responsible for conducting health assessments, diagnosing and treating conditions, educating clients about their condition, and performing tests and examinations (Coster et al., 2018). Another critical responsibility is to coordinate decisions with other healthcare professionals (Norful et al, 2018). It is essential to consult with physicians for complex cases and engage in peer consultation. Collaborating in interdisciplinary healthcare teams to develop care protocols is also indispensable.
NPs are responsible for documentation and record-keeping, maintaining electronic health records, documenting assessments, diagnoses, and treatments. They are also involved in prescription and medication management and raise patients’ awareness on usage rules and possible side effects. They often provide lifestyle counseling and participate in the development of health promotion strategies. Lastly, they can serve as advocates for patients’ access to quality healthcare and assist individuals in navigating the healthcare system.
Mission and Vision Statement
The mission is to provide patient-centered and evidence-based care, improving the health and well-being of individuals and communities, being committed to fostering a culture of trust and collaboration, and empowering patients to live healthier lives. The vision of nurse practitioners is to be recognized as trusted leaders in healthcare, ensuring equitable access to holistic and preventive care and creating healthier communities through ongoing education, collaboration, and innovation.
Goals
The first goal is to develop expertise in identifying and managing illnesses. To achieve this goal within 5 years, in the first two years, I will need to seek diverse clinical experiences and find a mentor. In years 3-4, I need to develop a collection of case studies and incorporate knowledge of illness into my patient interactions (Hodges et al., 2019). The second goal is to enhance confidence in patient education. Over the next five years, I plan to explore models of patient education, conduct patient education workshops, and evaluate my effectiveness through patient surveys.
Another goal is to complete the NP program and successfully obtain board certification. In the first year, I need to prioritize academic excellence and board game preparation, and complete the NP board certification exam in the third year. In recent years, I have needed to thoroughly research the Nurse Practice Act and state regulations in Florida to understand legal implications. My ultimate goal is to establish my own NP practice. This will be possible in year 5, after I have completed all the previously mentioned goals. Some specific stepping stones related to that goal include financial planning throughout the years, beginning to save and invest, creating a business plan, and building a network of healthcare professionals.
Conclusion
There are many reasons why individuals may choose this profession, and the vision of a nurse practitioner extends beyond the hospital walls. The responsibilities of NPs are diverse and require nurses to be advocates for their patients. The mission and vision are deeply rooted in patient-centered care, aiming to enhance the health of individuals by establishing a foundation of trust and promoting equal access to healthcare.
References
Auerbach, D. I., Buerhaus, P. I., & Staiger, D. O. (2020). Implications of the rapid growth of the nurse practitioner workforce in the US: An examination of recent changes in demographic, employment, and earnings characteristics of nurse practitioners and the implications of those changes. Health Affairs, 39(2), 273-279.
Coster, S., Watkins, M., & Norman, I. J. (2018). What is the impact of professional nursing on patients’ outcomes globally? An overview of research evidence. International journal of nursing studies, 78, 76-83.
Heinen, M., van Oostveen, C., Peters, J., Vermeulen, H., & Huis, A. (2019). An integrative review of leadership competencies and attributes in advanced nursing practice. Journal of advanced nursing, 75(11), 2378-2392.
Hodges, A. L., Konicki, A. J., Talley, M. H., Bordelon, C. J., Holland, A. C., & Galin, F. S. (2019). Competency-based education in transitioning nurse practitioner students from education into practice. Journal of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners, 31(11), 675-682.
Norful, A. A., de Jacq, K., Carlino, R., & Poghosyan, L. (2018). Nurse practitioner–physician comanagement: a theoretical model to alleviate primary care strain. The Annals of Family Medicine, 16(3), 250-256.