Visionary Role in Nursing - Essay Example

Nurse practitioner exercises performance-based competency, which is evident in the learning and objective evaluation methods that he/she employs in the practice. He/she uses electronic devices; problem-based learning and the media to access resources, which enhances his/her practice and performance. In addition, a nurse practitioner rapidly expands his/her knowledge through the increasing utilization of informatics and technology in education and practice. The nursing role is also patient-centered care, which incorporates the safety, engagement, and privacy of the patient (Sines, Saunders, & Forbes-Burford, 2013).

According to the United States Bureau of Statistics, in the next 50 years, the population of the elderly will have increased drastically. The generation of the baby boom, that is, babies born between 1946 to 1964, will be over 65 years between 2011 t0 2029. In the United States, the population of the elderly will be 19 million between 2000 and 2020. The improvements in nutrition, medical care, and safety have increased longevity, which means the number of elderly will grow more. This implies that many people will have disabilities, and chronic diseases and live in substandard conditions and institutions. Hence, these individuals will require considerably more healthcare services than the younger generations.

Currently, the scope of a nurse practitioner entails prevention and wellness services; diagnosis, and management of various common uncomplicated diseases and chronic diseases, such as diabetes.  Nurse practitioners have the same capabilities, skills, and knowledge as physicians; however, they are limited in the scope of their work. In the future, it is expected that the scope of nurse practitioners will be broadened, to allow them to prescribe medication without supervision from a physician; practice autonomously in retail clinics; certify home healthcare visits and admission of patients to hospitals. The specific responsibilities of a family nurse practitioner are: to offer general and preventive care; treat diseases; conduct check-ups; prescribe medication for adults and children and order laboratory tests. The specific responsibility that might change is the prescription of medication under the supervision of a physician.

A family nurse practitioner forms an effective collaboration with a physician. Both the physician and the nurse practitioner have similar roles; nevertheless, a physician brings more expertise and in-depth knowledge to patient care. In addition, a physician can make advanced clinical decisions and carry out special procedures; thus, serving as an outstanding resource in practice. The combination of the two roles results in the sharing of similar objectives and reflecting each other’s practice, which gives a comparable and consistent patient medical management (Clarin, 2007). The role of a family nurse practitioner is relevant in various medical systems, such as hospitals; community health care centers, and private practice. The structure of hospitals flows in a hierarchical order in the following manner: Directors; Executives; Department Administrators; Patient Care Managers and Service Providers. 

The population that is served by a family nurse practitioner is diverse. The number of elderly is higher compared to other age groups. This implies that there are many individuals with disabilities and chronic diseases; many live in substandard conditions, institutions, or alone. There is a group of ethnic minorities who are faced with multiple socioeconomic consequences, such as intolerance; abuse; conflicts, and violence. On the other hand, there is a population of children and women who are facing domestic violence, and various forms of violence, which is increasing in public places, schools, and homes. In addition, there is the family unit, single-parent households, single persons living with other singles, and same-sex couples (with and without children). The majority of the population is culturally undeserving and vulnerable, which requires the services of a nurse practitioner (Finkelman & Kenner, 2013).

To become a family nurse practitioner, it is imperative to undertake a bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN), which has to be obtained from an accredited institution. Furthermore, an individual has to complete a master’s degree in nursing (MSN) or a Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP). Since I envision being a family nurse practitioner, I will specialize in family and primary care while undertaking DNP. Upon completion of the BSN, an individual pursues a one-year residency to develop his/her skills. Furthermore, I will require supervised clinical experience in family and primary care after I have completed my MSN or DNP. This, in turn, will give me the clinical preparation and experience, which is necessary for becoming a family nurse practitioner.

In Florida, a family nurse practitioner has to receive certification from the American Nurses Association and the National Board of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners and Associates.  The key principles of healthcare ethics that a nurse practitioner has to upload are nonmaleficence; beneficence; justice and autonomy. In nursing, there are legal issues that encompass nursing practicing acts, licensing, and standards of care. Nonetheless, the issue also concerns malpractice and negligence. Malpractice is considered negligence by a professional and it comprises four elements: duty; causation; breach and damages. On the other hand, negligence is either an act of commission or omission. Meanwhile, the strengths that will give me the capability to effectively work as a nurse are excellent communication (both verbal and written) skills; analytical skills; problem-solving, and negotiation skills.