Core definition of APN - A function of educational and practice preparation and a
constellation of primary criteria and core competencies. Direct clinical practice is the central
competency and informs all the other competencies.
3 criteria necessary to become an APRN - Graduate degree in the concentration area and
population focus of the specific advanced practice nursing role; advanced level national
certification; patient and family-focused practice
List core competencies of the APRN - Direct clinical practice;
Coaching and guidance;
Consultation;
Evidence-based practice;
Leadership;
Collaboration;
Ethical decision making
The APRN uses advanced clinical judgement, systems thinking, and accountability in
providing evidence-based care at a more advanced level than the care provided by the expert
RN - Direct clinical practice
Example of direct clinical practice - APRN prescribing z-pack for pt with bacterial sinusitis
Communication that is informed by assessments, experiences, and information used by APNs
to help patients and families explore their own resources, motivations, and possibilities.
Goals are to raise awareness, contemplate, implement, and sustain a behavior change, manage
a health or illness situation, or prepare for transitions. - Coaching and guidance
A purposeful, complex, dynamic, collaborative, and holistic interpersonal process aimed at
supporting and facilitating patients and families through health-related experiences and
transitions to achieve health related goals, mutually determined, whenever possible -
Coaching and guidance
Example of expert guidance and coaching - An NP counseling a pt on a program to assist in
the smoking cessation process
The building of relationships among other health care professionals where the APN offers his
or her expertise with colleagues to optimize pt care - Consultation
Example of consultation - The NP seeking out the advice of a pulmonologist in the care plan
of a pt with COPD
the conscientious, explicit, and judicious use of current best evidence in making decisions
about the care of individual patients - Evidence-based practice
Example of evidence based practice - The NP reads and uses the latest recommendations
from the ADA in prescribing meds and formulating plans of care for pts with T2DM