Newswise — The American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) is publishing a new edition of “AACN Scope and Standards for the Acute Care Nurse Practitioner,” set for release in the fall.
First issued in 2006, the Scope and Standards describe and measure the expected level of practice and professional performance for acute care nurse practitioners (ACNPs). A work group of experts in the field collaborated to update the content to reflect the specialty’s evolving role and an ever-changing critical care landscape. The standards are a valuable resource for those developing educational programs for advanced practice nursing, job descriptions and credentialing, among other uses.
A well-timed release for the start of a new academic school year, the 2012 edition of Scope and Standards incorporates advancements in scientific knowledge, clinical practice, technology and other changes in the dynamic healthcare environment.
“The role of ACNPs has expanded as more hospitals and healthcare organizations find increased value in having advanced practice nurses on staff, and their work environment often goes beyond traditional acute and critical care inpatient settings,” said Linda Bell, AACN clinical nurse specialist. “This document needs to reflect the full scope of practice provided by ACNPs, including the growing number of providers who care for pediatric patients.”
AACN invites comments from acute care pediatric nurse practitioners (CPNP®-AC) and adult acute care nurse practitioners (ACNPC or ACNP-BC) on proposed updates. Sections of the draft document can be reviewed and comments submitted confidentially via an online survey (http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/Acute_Care_Nurse_Practitioner_Scope_and_Standards) through Sunday, July 8, 2012.
According to Bell, “Feedback from the advanced practice community is extremely important, as these standards will help clarify the evolving role of ACNPs.”
The updated “Scope and Standards of Practice for the Acute Care Nurse Practitioner” will be available in AACN’s online bookstore this fall.
About the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses: Founded in 1969 and based in Aliso Viejo, Calif., the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) is the largest specialty nursing organization in the world. AACN joins together the interests of more than 500,000 acute and critical care nurses and claims more than 240 chapters worldwide. The organization’s vision is to create a healthcare system driven by the needs of patients and their families in which acute and critical care nurses make their optimal contribution. www.aacn.org; facebook.com/aacnface; twitter.com/aacnme
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