Role Transition

Full Answer Section

• Strategy:
  • Policy Advocacy:APN organizations can lobby state legislatures and regulatory bodies to enact laws that expand the scope of practice for APNs, allowing them to practice to the full extent of their education and training.
  • Data-Driven Advocacy:Research highlighting the positive outcomes associated with increased APN autonomy can be used to support policy changes.

2. Reimbursement Issues:

• Barrier: Third-party payers like insurance companies may not reimburse APNs at the same rate as physicians for the same services. This can disincentivize healthcare providers from employing APNs and limit patient access to their services.
• Strategy:
  • Parity Legislation:Efforts can be made to enact laws that require insurance companies to reimburse APNs at the same rate as physicians for equivalent services.
  • Value-Based Care Models:Promoting value-based care models that reward positive patient outcomes rather than the volume of services can incentivize healthcare systems to utilize APNs effectively.

3. Educational and Training Obstacles:

• Barrier: Limited availability and high costs of APN education programs can create a shortage of qualified practitioners, hindering wider adoption. Additionally, some healthcare systems might not have established pathways for onboarding and integrating APNs into their practice.
• Strategy:
  • Increased Educational Programs:Expanding the number of universities offering APN programs and offering financial aid options can increase access to education and address shortages.
  • Mentorship and Integration Programs:Healthcare institutions can develop mentorship programs and clear career paths for APNs to facilitate their integration into the workforce.

Sample Answer

Here are three barriers that have slowed down the progress of advanced practice nursing (APN) along with strategies to overcome them, as referenced in Saunders (2014):

1. Scope of Practice Limitations:

• Barrier: Many states have laws and regulations that restrict the full scope of practice for APNs. This may limit their ability to diagnose conditions, order and interpret diagnostic tests, prescribe medications, and manage patient care independently.

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