Qualities and Competencies of Advanced Practice Nurses (APNs)

In the United States, it is projected that the workforce of advanced practice nurses (APN) will grow by 93% from 2013 to 2025 (Abraham et al., 2019). The APN is competently trained at a master’s or doctorate level and is prepared to diagnose and manage patient’s acute and chronic health conditions (American Association of Nurse Practitioners [AANP], 2022). Studies have shown that APN managed primary care has led to increased patient satisfaction, improved quality care and patient outcomes, improved follow up, and lowered risk for hospitalization or readmission (Abraham et al., 2019). The American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) points out several studies supporting the statement that nurse practitioners are cost effective. These studies have examined different practice settings such as primary, acute, and long-term care settings, showing that nurse practitioners have been able to provide high-quality care to patients with a reduction in emergency visits, hospitalizations, and less costly interventions while promoting illness prevention and improved health outcomes for patients (AANP, 2022).

As we know, APNs are graduate level educated (master’s or doctorate) giving us knowledge, clinical training, and competency to provide safe, high-quality care to our patients (AANP, 2020). As nurses, we possess strengths and qualities such as verbal and written communication skills. These include being active listeners (American Nurses Association [ANA], 2022). In our APN training, we have built on our communication skills, learning the importance of interprofessional collaboration in practice to improve patient outcomes and to be successful in an effective professional practice. We have learned the importance of patient education and shared decision-making with patients while making treatment plans and setting goals to improve their health outcomes. As nurses, we are empathetic and compassionate; we have built on this knowing that patient-centered care improves outcomes and increases patient satisfaction. We have furthered our knowledge and ability to see the patient as a whole, educating and treating not only our patient but their family too.

Excellent critical thinking and problem-solving skills are needed to assess our patients, including obtaining a thorough health history and ordering diagnostics that can assist in the assessment process. When diagnosing, critical thinking is essential, as the plan of care is formulated; problem-solving skills are often needed to meet the needs of our patient and family to be successful. Additional qualities needed for effective practice include integrity and leadership (ANA, 2022). We serve as patient advocates while staying true to legal and ethical standards; this is part of our Standards of Care for Nurse Practitioners set by the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP, 2022). Another quality essential to effective practice is the willingness to learn. This includes recognizing the need for continuing education, especially in weak areas. Knowing when to seek out help from colleagues and when referrals are needed. It is important to maintain competence with continuing education, using evidence-based practice and guidelines. In addition, we need to be compliant with state and federal laws, maintaining our certification (AANP, 2022). Although I am very nervous to finish school in less than two months, I feel I have a good knowledge base, have gained valuable experience through clinical time, and possess the quality traits (stated above) that will help me to be a successful APN in practice. Everyday I have gained confidence and no longer “question” my ability on an hourly basis!

References

Abraham, C. M., Norful, A. A., Stone, P. W., & Poghosyan, L. (2019). Cost-Effectiveness of Advanced Practice Nurses Compared to Physician-Led Care for Chronic Diseases: A Systematic Review. Nursing Economic$, 37(6), 293–305.

American Association of Nurse Practitioners. (2020). Quality of Nurse Practitioner Practice.

American Association of Nurse Practitioners (2022). Standards of Practice for Nurse Practitioners.

American Association of Nurse Practitioners. (2013). Nurse Practitioner Cost Effectiveness.

American Nurses Association. (2022) What Are the Qualities of a Good Nurse?

FAQs

1. What is the projected growth of the advanced practice nursing workforce in the United States from 2013 to 2025?

2. How does advanced practice nursing contribute to increased patient satisfaction and improved healthcare outcomes?

3. What qualities and competencies are essential for advanced practice nurses (APNs) to provide high-quality care?

4. Why is interprofessional collaboration and patient-centered care important in the practice of APNs?

5. How do APNs ensure compliance with legal and ethical standards while advocating for patients?

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