Journal of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners
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J Am Acad Nurse Pract · Jan 2012
ReviewDefining NP scope of practice and associated regulations: focus on acute care.
Although the nurse practitioner (NP) role has been in existence for over 40 years, there continues to be uncertainty about the essential components that define NP scope of practice. The purpose of this article is to review definitions and concepts related to NP scope of practice with an emphasis on NPs working in acute care. ⋯ Providing clarification of the NP scope of practice, especially as it pertains to NPs working in acute care settings, remains needed to support practice based on educational preparation, licensure, certification, and focus of practice.
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J Am Acad Nurse Pract · Jan 2012
Primary palliative care clinic pilot project demonstrates benefits of a nurse practitioner-directed clinic providing primary and palliative care.
The purpose of the Primary Palliative Care Pilot Project was to determine if patients with a life-limiting illness who receive their primary care and palliative care from a consistent provider via a nurse practitioner (NP)-founded and-directed Primary Palliative Care Clinic at a public hospital would have improved symptom management and decreased emergency department utilization over time. ⋯ Palliative care providers and administrators should explore opportunities to expand outpatient palliative care clinics with an emphasis on primary care and continuity of care. NPs by experience and education are ideally suited to manage both primary and palliative care needs for people at the end of life.