The state of New Hampshire presents an example of a system in which Nurse Practitioners (NPs) have full autonomy in practice. As mentioned in the original post, NPs are recognized as primary care providers, and they possess full practicing and prescribing authority (Scope of Practice Policy, 2020). Therefore, many of the problems in a nurse-physician collaboration that are common in other locations are not as prevalent in this state. The lack of supervision puts more responsibility on nurses, exposing them to new legal and financial challenges. However, it also gives them freedom of choice and recognition for their experience and knowledge.
The first action that NPs of New Hampshire can take is to take part in advancing the federal level of healthcare, using personal and state examples of positive change. For example, Wright (2017) demonstrates how an NP-led initiative can increase people’s access to affordable care while also lowering costs for providers and government entities. This type of research cannot stay unnoticed by nurse advocates from other states – knowledge dissemination should become of the activities that nurses with high autonomy perform. Thus, by using their existing privileges, NPs can aim to lift nurses in other parts of the country.
Apart from that, New Hampshire NPs should not neglect other problems that still plague the industry of healthcare in their state. The access to care and high costs of medical procedures lead to the issue of poor rural health and underserved communities. NPs have to work on improving the quality of care through political advocacy, the establishment of NP-led practices, and cost-effective care programs. Overall, even in states with full NP authority, the sphere of healthcare can and should plan new reforms.
References
Scope of Practice Policy. (2020).New Hampshire scope of practice policy: State profile. Web.
Wright, W. L. (2017). New Hampshire nurse practitioners take the lead in forming an accountable care organization. Nursing Administration Quarterly, 41(1), 39-47.