The role of advanced registered nurses (ARNs) is evolving in response to changes in legislation and policy that aim to meet the evolving needs of the healthcare system. As an ARN, it is important to understand the current scope of practice for your specialty and the efforts being made to expand that scope and influence the healthcare system. This paper will discuss the scope of the future role of an ARN, evaluate three influential professional nursing organizations, discuss a controversial or evolving issue likely to affect the ARN’s scope of practice, and explain how membership in a selected organization may enhance practice.
The scope of practice for ARNs is determined by regulatory, certification, and accreditation agencies. These agencies define the competencies, responsibilities, and limitations within which ARNs must operate. For example, in the United States, the scope of practice for nurse practitioners (NPs) is defined by state nursing boards, which set the regulations for NPs’ practice. Certification bodies such as the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) offer certifications for ARNs, thereby establishing standards for expertise and specialized practice. Accreditation agencies, such as the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), accredit programs that prepare ARNs, ensuring that they meet established standards of education and competence.
Professional nursing organizations are instrumental in advancing the scope and influence of advanced nursing practice. Three influential professional nursing organizations to consider are the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP), the American Nurses Association (ANA), and the National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists (NACNS). The AANP represents and advocates for the interests of nurse practitioners, promoting their role and scope of practice. The ANA is the largest nursing organization, advocating for the entire nursing profession and specifically addressing issues related to standards of practice, ethics, and social justice. The NACNS is dedicated to advancing the unique role of clinical nurse specialists (CNS) in healthcare, promoting their specialized expertise and influence on patient care outcomes.
Of these organizations, the ANA aligns closely with my worldview and philosophy of care. The ANA promotes the highest standards of nursing practice, ethics, and social justice, which resonate with my beliefs. Their mission to advocate for all nurses and improve healthcare aligns with my goal of advocating for patients and contributing to the advancement of the profession. Membership in the ANA would provide resources and opportunities to engage in healthcare policy development and influence practice standards, enhancing my ability to make a positive impact on patient care.
A controversial or evolving issue likely to affect the scope of practice for ARNs is the push for independent practice for nurse practitioners. There is a growing recognition of the expertise and capabilities of NPs, which challenges existing regulations that impose collaborative practice agreements or physician oversight. This push for independent practice is driven by the need to address primary care shortages, improve access to care, and maximize the utilization of ARNs. However, this issue faces opposition from physicians’ groups and others who argue that NPs should not practice without physician oversight due to concerns about patient safety.
The outcome of this issue could significantly impact the profession and stakeholders. Proponents argue that removing practice restrictions will enhance access to care, improve patient outcomes, and lower healthcare costs. On the other hand, opponents express concerns about the ability of NPs to manage complex cases independently and assert that physician oversight is necessary to ensure patient safety. As an ARN, this issue matters because it may directly influence the autonomy and professional growth opportunities of ARNs, as well as their ability to address the healthcare system’s needs.
In conclusion, the scope of practice for ARNs is determined by regulatory, certification, and accreditation agencies. Professional nursing organizations play a crucial role in advocating for the scope and influence of ARNs. The ANA, for instance, aligns with my worldview and philosophy of care and offers opportunities to improve practice and influence healthcare policy. The push for independent practice for NPs is a controversial issue that may significantly impact the profession and stakeholders, highlighting the need for ARNs to stay informed and engaged in shaping the future of their practice.
