South University: Nursing 5000 - Role of the Advanced Practice Nurse Week 2 Project,100% CORRECT

South University: Nursing 5000 - Role of the Advanced Practice Nurse Week 2 Project Running Head: CORE COMPETENCIES OF A NURSE PRACTITIONER Core Competencies of a Nurse Practitioner South University Nursing 5000 - Role of the Advanced Practice Nurse Week Two Project Professor Stroud January 18th, 2022 Each profession must have a set of core standards and competencies to ensure they are functioning at the highest level while working. This is especially vital in the healthcare field and why the National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties (NONPF) has defined nine core competencies for the profession. In this paper, we will discuss and explain the nine core competencies developed by the NONPF, how one can meet basic mastery of those core competencies, define the leadership competency and the attributes they possess or need to build and explore how one can demonstrate mastery of two more of the nine core competencies. Each profession has a set of core competencies that define what is required to be considered knowledgeable in their work field. The National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties (NONPF) has done the same in their area. The nine core competencies defined by the NONPF include scientific foundations, leadership, quality, practice inquiry, technology and information literacy, policy, health delivery system, ethics, and independent practice (What are, 2022). Each competency plays an integral part in the curriculum to educate future Nurse Practitioners to ensure the knowledge, skills, and abilities learned. At the same time while in school make them competent licensed independent practitioners. The scientific foundation’s competency requires NP’s to “critically analyze data and evidence, integrate knowledge from the humanities and sciences, translate research, and develop new practice approaches based on the integration of research, theory, and practice knowledge (Nurse Practitioner, n.d.). Mastering this competency allows Nurse Practitioners to enhance processes and outcomes in the nurse field and advance nursing practice as a whole. The leadership competency calls for NP’s to “assume complex and advanced leadership roles, provide leadership to foster collaboration with multiple stakeholders, demonstrate critical and reflective thinking, communicate practice knowledge effectively, and participate in professional organizations and activities” (Nurse Practitioner, n.d.). All of which help guide change and refine the way health care is delivered across the nation. The quality competency demands NP’s to “use the best available evidence to improve clinical practice, evaluate the relationship between access, cost, quality, and safety in health care, gauge how different organizations impact the quality of health care, promote a culture of excellence, and implement interventions to ensure quality” (Nurse Practitioner, n.d.). Conquering this competency permits Nurse Practitioners to ensure the best available care is delivered regarding access, cost, quality, and safety. The practice inquiry competency stipulates NP’s to “generate knowledge from clinical practice, translate new knowledge into practice, apply clinical investigative skills, lead practice inquiry, disseminate evidence to diverse audiences, and analyze clinical guidelines (Nurse Practitioner, n.d.). Becoming an expert in this competency allows Nurse Practitioners to incorporate new practices into how health care is delivered, thus improving the practice. The technology and information competency require NP’s to “integrate technologies for knowledge management, translate technical and scientific health information, assess the patient and caregivers educational needs, coach the patient and caregiver, demonstrate information literacy skills, contribute the to design of clinical information systems, and use technology that captures data for the evaluation of nursing care (Nurse Practitioner, n.d.). Proficiency in this competency grants Nurse Practitioners to improve personalized health care and encourage safe, quality, and effective care to all patients. The policy competency permits NP’s to “demonstrate an understanding of policy and practice, advocate for ethical policies, analyze ethical, legal, and social factors, contribute to the development of health policies, analyze the implications across disciplines, and advocate for policies for safe and health practice environments (Nurse Practitioner, n.d.). Expertise in this competency urges Nurse Practitioners to develop and integrate quality and cost-effective policies in the healthcare field. The health delivery system competency necessitates NP’s to “apply knowledge of organizational practices, effect health care change using broad-based skills, minimize risk to patients and providers, facilitate the development of health care in culturally diverse populations, evaluate the impact of health care delivery on patients, analyze organizational structure, function, and resources, and collaborate in planning for transitions across the continuum of care (Nurse Practitioner, n.d.). Excellence in this competency demands Nurse Practitioners to better the way health care is delivered on a personal and organizational level. The ethics competency calls for NP’s to “integrate ethical principles, evaluate ethical consequences of decisions, and apply ethically sound solutions to complex issues” (Nurse Practitioner, n.d.). Being accomplished in this competency commands Nurse Practitioners to make sound and fair decisions regarding patient care, ultimately bettering individual care, populations, and the care system. The independent practice competency challenges NP’s to “function independently as practitioners, demonstrate the highest level of accountability, provide patient-centered care recognizing cultural diversity, educate professional and lay caregivers to provide cultural and spiritual appropriate care, collaborate with both professional and other caregivers, coordinate transitional care services, and participate in the development, use, and evaluation of professional standards” (Nurse Practitioner, n.d.). Mastering this competency empowers Nurse Practitioners to practice and manage patients and achieve superior care outcomes independently. To attain basic mastery of these competencies, they must always be willing to step out of their comfort zone and continue their education in all aspects of health care and how patient care is delivered. It is essential to first look at every patient as a whole and consider their culture, background, and day-to-day life before making decisions regarding their care. When this is done, the Nurse Practitioner applies each core competency in how patients are cared for. Leadership is one of the most critical competencies a Nurse Practitioner can achieve in their role as an Advanced Practice Nurse (APN). When a NP encompasses this competency, they show their complete understanding of their scope and standards of practice, allowing them to deliver culturally sensitive care, a commitment in professional organizations, and enhanced communication skills to their staff and patients (What are, 2022). Working as a Registered Nurse gives individuals great leadership qualities that can be used in their new roles as an APN. Since RN’s are required to critically think and delegate tasks based on priority, they must be confident leading their team into those decisions. With that being said, RN’s play a different leadership role than Nurse Practitioners, so there is still a lot to master within this competency. The traits acquired from the leadership competency include critical thinking, advocating for quality care, and include incorporating changes to enhance practice, joining professional organizations, and advocating for cost-effective care. All Nurse Practitioners continue to educate themselves and achieve excellence of all nine core competencies. The two additional core competencies of a Nurse Practitioner chosen to be discussed are policy and independent practice. Policies are constantly changing in the healthcare field, from how care is delivered, to each role’s scope of practice. Learning the policies and standards set for NP’s by the NONPF will help strengthen the way they provide tasks to their staff and care to their patients. In turn, this will aid the Nurse Practitioner in practicing independently as a provider. There is a certain level of autonomy working as an RN, but they do not have full range over treatment plans. NP’s are the ones who come up with the plan of care and place orders to treat the patient’s condition. Utilizing everything learned while in school and conquering the nine core competencies allows the Nurse Practitioner to demonstrate and provide efficient care to all patients. In conclusion, it is easy to see why each profession has a set of standards and core competencies to follow. They lay a benchmark for how individuals are expected to perform their job duties and require it is the same standard for all people on the receiving end. One must be educated, honest, and noble to work in the healthcare field, and this is why all clinicians must master the competencies laid out for their role. As William Osler said, “the trained nurse has become one of the greatest blessings of humanity, taking place beside the Physician and the Priest.” (Gilbert & Greg, 2021).