How to write a Nurse Practitioner Core Competencies essay (Solved)

Scientific Foundations

This competency area requires the nurse practitioner to analyze data and translate research and other forms of knowledge to improve practice practices in healthcare (Thomas et al., 2017). Throughout the course, I have managed engage in research for evidence-based practices to improve quality outcomes. The course has improved my knowledge on clinical practice guidelines and understanding of culturally competent care that evidently improves patient care. During my practice as a nurse practitioner, I will engage in more research to come up with evidence-based approaches to improve quality of patient care.

Table of Contents

Leadership

Under this competency, the nurse leader assumes complex and advanced leadership roles including advocacy for improved access, quality, and cost effective care (Thomas et al., 2017). This course has expanded my understanding of the nursing leadership roles and the process of advocacy that is among the approaches to address issues in nursing practice. The course has improved my understanding of the scope and standards of nursing practice which I intend to apply to improve outcomes. Additionally, the course has sharpened my communication, problem-solving, and critical-thinking skills that are crucial for nursing leadership.

Quality

Quality is the degree to which health services for individuals and populations increase the likelihood of desired outcomes (Woo et al., 2017). This competency area requires the nurse practitioner to use available evidence to improve quality. This course has improved my knowledge on the aspects of cost, safety, and quality that can be used to improve outcomes in healthcare. I am now able to use evidence and research to recommend practice changes that can improve quality in healthcare.

Practice Inquiry

The focus of this competency area is to enable nurses to translate scientific research into clinical setting (Thomas et al., 2017). This course has enabled me to develop investigative skills that can be applied in clinical areas to detect problems. I have been able to gather evidence and disseminate findings using multiple modalities. Throughout this course, I have been able to partner with colleagues during practice enquiry and this demonstrates how I will collaborate with other practitioners in clinical areas to improve process outcomes.

Technology and Information Literacy

An advanced practice nurse ought to integrate appropriate technologies for knowledge management to improve healthcare (Tractenberg et al., 2019). This course has prepared me to utilize appropriate technologies like EHRs and CDS systems that can be used to improve healthcare. Throughout the course, I have managed to collect data using computer systems and utilize the information to address key healthcare issues. For example, the course has enlightened me on how nurse practitioners can utilize social media to improve health in communities.

Policy

Policies are decisions pertaining health which influence healthcare resources at the organizational, local, state, and national levels. This course has introduced me to matters of policy advocacy and interprofessional collaboration with local, state, and national leaders to improve healthcare. I have learned how to choose influential leaders that can be used during policy advocacy. The course has prepared me to identify areas that can be improved in healthcare and the relevance of advocacy in issues affecting the nursing profession.

Health Delivery System

The development of advanced nursing practice has led to massive changes in service delivery while addressing the issues of cost, patient satisfaction, and clinical outcomes (Woo et al., 2017). This course has demonstrated the effect of advanced nursing practice in healthcare and how acquired skills in communication, negotiation, and collaboration can improve healthcare delivery. Through interaction with patients, I have learned how cultural diversity affects outcomes and how healthcare systems can address this issue using education and organizational policies.

Ethics

This competency area requires the nurse practitioner to integrate ethical principles in decision making and evaluate the consequences of the decisions (Thomas et al., 2017). This course has improved my knowledge on ethical decisions that arise during patient care and how to manage ethical dilemmas. I can now comfortably provide care while following the ANA code of ethics and making decisions during complex situations. Through the use of ethical decision-making models, the course has prepared me to apply ethical sound solutions to complex issues in healthcare.

Independent Practice

This program has prepared me to practice as an independent nurse practitioner by taking various courses during my learning. I have learned about health promotion, disease prevention, disease management, and palliative care are crucial areas of advanced nursing practice. Through student population focus approaches, the course has prepared me to assess, diagnose, and treat patients while working under the highest level of accountability. Additionally, the course has prepared me to provide culturally competent care to allow adequate management of patients from diverse communities.

Engaging in Social Change

My plan to engage in social change is through advocacy. Advocacy for social change applies knowledge to the resolution of the most important social problems that result in healthcare disparities. As a nurse practitioner, I plan to use my power to assume leadership positions and work with local, state, and national leaders to advocate for social change.

Legislative/Advocacy Activities

One of the major problems in healthcare today across all states is COVID-19. Florida is well behind other states in the management of the disease including getting COVID-19 booster shots (Florida Nurses Association, 2022). Florida Nurses Association (FNA) is currently supporting a coordinated plan for pandemic management in the state of Florida. The organization advocates for the distribution of adequate PPEs to provide a safe environment for healthcare workers (Florida Nurses Association, 2022). Additionally, the organization is working with the state department of health to ensure adequate vaccines are provided to frontline healthcare workers and patients.

References

Florida Nurses Association. (2022). Nursing legislation and advocacy: FNA legislative platform. https://www.floridanurse.org/page/LegislativePlatform

Thomas, A., Crabtree, M. K., Delaney, K., Dumas, M. A., Kleinpell, R., Marfell, J., & Wolf, A. (2017). Nurse practitioner core competencies content. The National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties. https://nipec.hscni.net/download/projects/current_work/highstandards_practice/career_pathway_for_general_practice_nursing/documents/USA-NPCore-Competencies.pdf

Tractenberg, R. E., Wilkinson, M. R., Bull, A. W., Pellathy, T. P., & Riley, J. B. (2019). A developmental trajectory supporting the evaluation and achievement of competencies: Articulating the Mastery Rubric for the nurse practitioner (MR-NP) program curriculum. PloS One, 14(11), e0224593. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0224593

Woo, B., Lee, J., & Tam, W. (2017). The impact of the advanced practice nursing role on quality of care, clinical outcomes, patient satisfaction, and cost in the emergency and critical care settings: A systematic review. Human Resources for Health, 15(1), 63. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12960-017-0237-9