NR 500 NP Week 4 Paper APN Professional Development Plan

NR 500 NP Week 4 Paper APN Professional Development Plan

Student Name

Chamberlain University

NR-500: Foundational Concepts & Applications

Prof. Name:

Date

Advanced Practice Nursing in Ohio

Advanced practice nursing (APN) in Ohio involves fulfilling specific educational, licensure, and regulatory requirements while maintaining a defined scope of practice. To become an APN, individuals must complete a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and gain admission to a master’s program accredited by a recognized national body. Following this, they must pass a national certification exam and obtain an active Registered Nurse (RN) license. These steps ensure that APNs possess a strong foundation in nursing knowledge and clinical competency. Additionally, graduate nursing programs must meet accreditation standards that uphold educational quality and core content for advanced nursing practice. In Ohio, APNs are also required to pass standardized national certification exams, which validate their specialized clinical training and enable them to obtain board certification for independent or collaborative practice.

The National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties (NONPF) Core Competencies play a vital role in guiding the educational preparation and professional development of nurse practitioners. Two key strengths identified within these competencies include Scientific Foundations, which emphasizes integrating scientific evidence into practice to enhance patient outcomes, and Quality Improvement, which involves participation in healthcare initiatives aimed at patient safety and efficiency. However, there are also areas requiring further growth, such as Policy Competency, which entails advocating for policy reforms that enhance healthcare accessibility and delivery. Additionally, Population Health is an area where development is necessary to address health disparities and implement community-based preventive care initiatives.

Leadership plays a crucial role in the professional development of APNs, equipping them with the ability to navigate the complexities of healthcare systems and advocate effectively for patients. Essential leadership skills include communication, collaboration, and strategic decision-making. To strengthen these skills, APNs should engage in professional development opportunities, such as leadership workshops, conferences, and seminars, which provide valuable mentorship and learning experiences. Additionally, assuming leadership roles within healthcare organizations or community-based projects can foster growth in collaboration and decision-making abilities.

NR 500 NP Week 4 Paper APN Professional Development Plan

Upon completing their master’s degree, APNs in Ohio must meet licensure requirements established by the Ohio Board of Nursing. This includes holding an active Ohio RN license, earning a master’s or doctoral degree in a specialized nursing field, maintaining a current national certification in an approved specialty, and completing a two-hour Ohio prescribing law course if applying from another jurisdiction. APNs must also submit a completed license application and applicable fees to obtain licensure. These stringent requirements ensure that APNs possess the qualifications and competencies necessary for safe and effective practice in Ohio.

Understanding the scope of practice is essential for APNs transitioning into the workforce. Ohio APNs are authorized to work in various healthcare settings, either independently or in collaboration with other healthcare professionals. Their responsibilities encompass preventive care, managing acute and chronic illnesses, promoting wellness, ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests, prescribing medications, and performing procedures. To prescribe medications, including controlled substances, APNs must complete a 45-hour advanced pharmacology course and establish a Standard Care Arrangement (SCA) with a collaborating physician. Furthermore, they must complete 12 hours of advanced pharmacology education biennially, maintain Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) registration, and adhere to quality assurance standards to ensure compliance with state regulations.

Table 1: Overview of Ohio APN Requirements and Competencies

References

American Association of Nurse Practitioners. (2020, October 27). Nurse practitioner education. Retrieved September 16, 2021, from https://www.aanp.org/advocacy/advocacy-resource/position-statements/nursepractitioner-education.

Ohio Board of Nursing. (2021, February). Licensure information. Retrieved September 16, 2021, from www.nursing.ohio.gov.

NR 500 NP Week 4 Paper APN Professional Development Plan

American Association of Nurse Practitioners. (2019). Scope of practice for nurse practitioners. Retrieved September 17, 2021, from https://www.aanp.org/advocacy/advocacy-resource/position-statements/scope-ofpractice-for-nurse-practitioners.

Ohio Advanced Practice Registered Nurses. (2020, June 30). Information for Ohio CNPs. Retrieved September 17, 2021, from http://www.ohioaprn.com/cnp.html.