The College of Nurses of Ontario presents the Nurse Practitioner Learning Module: Overview.

Transcription

1 The College of Nurses of Ontario presents the Nurse Practitioner Learning Module: Overview.

2 Nurse Practitioners, also known as NPs, are Registered Nurses in the Extended Class. They have additional education and experience that builds and expands upon the entry-to-practice competencies of the Registered Nurse. The goal of NP practice is the same as for other nurses that is, to maximize the client s health and wellness potential; it is the day-to-day activities of an NP that differ from other nurses. Nurse Practitioners are the only nurses authorized to order and interpret diagnostic tests independently, diagnose client conditions and prescribe medication. Links to the College of Nurses of Ontario (the College) practice documents and other resources, referred to in this chapter can be found on the home page of the learning module.

3 The College regulates nursing in the public interest. Two of the ways the College does this is by developing and maintaining practice standards for all nurses, and administering a Quality Assurance Program to ensure continuing competence within the profession. In addition to the practice standards that apply to all nurses, NPs are also accountable for meeting the expectations outlined in the Nurse Practitioner practice standard.

4 Several College practice documents may apply to an NP's practice in any situation. For example: Joe is an NP. In his practice he uses the expectations that are set out in the Nurse Practitioner practice standard when he assesses a client and diagnoses a health condition. Joe applies the Documentation standard when documenting his assessment findings, diagnosis and treatment plan. And Joe refers to the Confidentiality and Privacy - Personal Health Information practice document whenever Joe shares information about the client s condition. Nurse Practitioners are also expected to apply the competencies described in the Canadian Nurse Practitioner Core Competency Framework. As well, they demonstrate their knowledge and application of the practice standards and competencies by participating in the Quality Assurance Program.

5 In Ontario, nursing titles, including Nurse Practitioner and the abbreviation NP, are protected. The Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991 gives the College the authority to restrict the use of a professional title in the public interest. This means only members of the College may use the restricted titles authorized to nursing. Only Registered Nurses in the Extended Class can use the title Nurse Practitioner or "NP." Nurse Practitioners must use either the NP or RN(EC) title in their practice.

6 Nurse Practitioners can also add their specialty certificate to their title. This certificate is a College document that names the client population an NP is qualified to provide care to. The College currently provides qualified NPs with specialty certificates in Adult, Paediatrics and Primary Health Care. It is important to note that the certificate does not refer to a clinical focus, such as dialysis or mental health, or a practice sector, such as acute care.

7 Nurse Practitioners are expected to provide health care service only to the client population related to their specialty certificate. For example, an NP with an Adult speciality certificate will provide health services to clients who range in age from late adolescence to older adulthood. An NP with a Paediatrics specialty certificate will provide health services to clients who range in age from neonates to late adolescence. And an NP with a Primary Health Care specialty certificate will provide health services to clients of all ages.

8 Nurse Practitioners may work in any sector or setting but must focus their practice on the appropriate client population for their specialty certificate. It is the employer who determines which specialty certificate is needed for a specific role. It is important that NPs discuss their professional accountabilities with employers including the expectation that they limit their practice to a population that is consistent with their specialty certificate. The following scenario is a good example. Susan, an NP with a Paediatrics specialty certificate, recently resigned from her position in a children s hospital. Before starting her new role in a community sexual health unit, Susan meets with her hiring manager and discusses the condition that she not provide health services to adults. As a result, the manager has realistic expectations and assigns Susan to the health unit's adolescent population.

9 When providing client care, NPs collaborate with others, when needed, to exchange information about the client. Consultation is a form of collaboration among health care providers and is a crucial part of client care. When a client s needs exceed the legal scope of NP practice or individual competence, the NP must consult other health care professionals. If it is determined that the client s care should be transferred to another health care professional, then the NP, the professional who is accepting the client's care and the client make the decision together. This transfer of accountability must be clearly communicated to the client and other members of the health care team, and documented.

10 You have now completed this chapter. To continue the learning module, close this presentation, return to the Learning Centre and select the chapter of your choice. If you have a question for a Practice Consultant, click on the link in the upper righthand corner.