Emory Becoming an APRN

This study compares the labor and delivery outcomes of certified nurse-midwives (CNMs) and physicians. For care processes, (e.g., epidural, labor induction, episiotomy), CNMs were found to have lower rates of application/use. For infant outcomes, (e.g., low Apgar, low birth weight, neonatal intensive care unit admission), there were no differences between physicians and CNMs. Perineal lacerations were lower and breastfeeding rates were higher among women cared for by CNMs compared with physicians.

This article describes the similarities between Midwifery practice and palliative care. The authors state that historically Midwives have been involved in the "cradle to grave" process. They argue Midwives are well suited to provide palliative care.

This article discusses the limitations in scope-of-practice caused by state regulation of health professions. It also stresses the importance of allowing APRNs to practice within their full-scope as supported by various research and defined by national regulating organizations in order to improve primary care.

Pediatric NP's began training in 1965 in order to enhance the role of the pediatric nurse; however, since then PNP's are seeking increased autonomy from MD's in order to work to the full extent of the knowledge and skills. The article describes how PNP's are aptly trained to assess kid's who are abused, exploited, neglected, or need immunizations. As a result, PNP's have a unique role, separate from MD's, to enhance any practice.

This article describes past and current barriers to APRN prescribing abilities in the state of Georgia. While legislation has been passed in the state to allow APRN's to prescribe medications to their patients under a collaborating physician, Georgia remains one of the most restrictive states for APRN prescribing. A descriptive study was conducted to analyze the efficacy and safety of APRN prescribing and found that out of approximately 8000 prescriptions written by APRNs, only 0.003% of those were changed by the supervising physician. The study recommended that more data be collected to support the argument for full-prescriptive authority for APRNs in Georgia.

This article discusses the barriers to NP practice with the current healthcare reform by addressing the shortage of primary care providers and the limitations of APRN practice. Barriers that were emphasized include state practice and licensure, physician related issues, education, and role perception. This article stresses that an APRN should be able to practice to the fullest extent of their training.

This is an excellent overview of common barriers to APRN practice that effect the Triple Aim for healthcare: better care (individuals), better health (populations), and lower cost.

This article first provides a brief history on APRNs. It also discusses barriers to the APRN scope of practice.

Very interesting read. This article provides evidence on why healthcare organizations should hire nurse practitioners based upon the education and training that they receive within their speciality as opposed to their previous RN experience. Many hospitals are struggling with this dilemma: Do we hire the APRN who has previous nursing experience in this area (who is not certified in this area) or do we hire the APRN who is certified to work in this area based on their formal training/education but is a new graduate? This article describes how prior nursing experience with a specific population does not qualify a nurse practitioner to practice without the population-focused education and certificate.

This article is an interesting read about the policy change in North Dakota that brought independent prescriptive privileges to advanced practice nurses. The nurse leaders behind this policy change have shared the experience with other states with the goal of providing an example of an effective model of change.

This article describes the results of a survey conducted of nurse leaders in Latin America and the Caribbean about their perception and knowledge of advance practice nursing. The results show that the majority of nurse leaders recognize a need for APRNS in order to create better access to care, however, the nursing education and legislation in the majority of the countries does not support APRN practices. This is an interesting introduction of APRNs in Latin America and the Caribbean for anyone who has interest of working in these areas.

This article does a great job of summarizing the history of geriatric NPs role in care, the development education for geriatric NPs beginning with the first program in 1966 and the unmet demand for nurses trained in geriatrics.

This article is about scope of practice and gives a state by state analysis of regulations and how the 2008 consensus applies.