Nursing Scope of Practice vs. Practice Authority: What’s the Difference?
Distinguishing between NP nursing scope of practice and nurse practitioner practice authority is crucial. This article sheds light on the disparities and their significance in your career. Both “scope of practice” and “practice authority” establish the legal permissibility of tasks for nurses and nurse practitioners. Nursing scope of practice pertains to tasks a nurse is authorized and proficient to perform, while practice authority defines the extent to which a nurse practitioner can independently undertake these tasks. This guide elucidates these disparities and their implications for your profession.
Understanding Scope of Practice
Nursing scope of practice encompasses tasks that a nurse is expected to proficiently execute. Common activities include but are not restricted to:
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– Recording vital signs, like blood pressure
– Safely moving and lifting patients
– Monitoring patients for signs of severe conditions
– Providing wound care, including changing dressings
– Administering medications, including intravenous drugs
– Employing feeding tubes
– Conducting catheterization and enema administration
– Drawing blood
Nurse Practitioner vs. Physician Assistant: How Are They Different?
Nursing school curricula are tailored according to each state’s scope of practice. On a daily basis, consulting your nursing scope of practice aids when unsure about performing specific tasks.
Each state has a Nurse Practice Act, a legal framework determining nursing’s prerequisites and licensure criteria. The nursing scope of practice outlines tasks sanctioned by the Nurse Practice Act.
Relatedly, practice standards detail how tasks within the scope of practice should be executed. For instance, the American Nurses Association offers Standards for Excellence, encompassing resources like the Code of Ethics for nurses. These standards guide optimal task execution.
“Practicing to the top of one’s license” pertains to healthcare professionals prioritizing complex tasks within their scope of practice. For instance, nurse practitioners practice at the peak of their license while diagnosing and ordering tests, but not during supply counts. Though concerning nursing licenses, it emphasizes effective task management.
Practice authority is occasionally confused with scope of practice. Although both delineate nursing activities, practice authority focuses on conditions under which nurse practitioners perform tasks, rather than an exhaustive task list.
Understanding Practice Authority
Practice authority outlines the circumstances under which a nurse practitioner operates autonomously. It involves three levels: full, reduced, and restricted. As practice authority is state-specific, transitioning between states necessitates understanding the respective practice authority.
Full Practice
Nurse practitioners with full practice authority can execute tasks within their NP scope without physician supervision. This entails diagnosing conditions, ordering tests, and prescribing treatments, including medications. Nurse practitioners in full practice authority states can independently operate their practice.
In certain states, nurse practitioners must initially work under physician supervision or collaboration before gaining independent practice authorization. Additional education might be mandatory before prescribing controlled substances. Despite temporary conditions, these states are considered full practice authority states.
Reduced Practice
Reduced practice states allow nurse practitioners to perform specific tasks independently, excluding others. Typically, they can diagnose conditions, order tests, and prescribe specific treatments. However, prescribing authority may be limited to certain medication types.
Restricted Practice
Restricted practice authority mandates that NPs operate under physician supervision or collaboration for all tasks. They might prescribe medications stipulated in collaborative agreements or within their scope. Although they exercise considerable autonomy within their scope of practice, independent practice is disallowed.
These categories of practice authority are subject to debate. Advocates argue for universal full practice authority, while others propose reduced or restricted authority within the scope.
Scope of Practice vs. Practice Authority
While nursing scope of practice identifies authorized tasks, practice authority determines the extent of independent task execution by nurse practitioners. Specifically, practice authority defines whether a nurse practitioner functions under physician supervision/collaboration.
The topic of practice authority is contentious. Advocates of full practice authority believe that scope limitations suffice to ensure nurse practitioners perform only qualified tasks. They contend that full authority enhances healthcare access and reduces costs. Opponents argue that replacing physicians with nurse practitioners in full practice authority states might lead to unfavorable outcomes, negating potential savings. They assert that extensive education and training warrant physician involvement in diagnosing and prescribing.
For aspiring or existing nurse practitioners, practice authority significantly influences role preferences and career choices. Opting for independent practice or collaborating within a team informs decisions based on state-specific practice authority.
Resources for RNs Transitioning to NPs
RNs aspiring to become nurse practitioners cite professional autonomy, broader scope, and higher pay as motivators. Online nurse practitioner programs enhance options, with challenges balanced by the rewarding nature of the role. Transitioning to a nurse practitioner can be a fulfilling and gratifying career choice.
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