The National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties (NONPF)

Full Answer Section

  Leadership The leadership competency requires nurse practitioners to be able to lead and influence others in the provision of care. My program has prepared me to meet this competency by providing me with opportunities to develop my leadership skills through coursework, clinical rotations, and extracurricular activities. I have also had the opportunity to work with a variety of mentors who have shared their knowledge and expertise with me. Quality The quality competency requires nurse practitioners to be able to provide care that is safe, effective, efficient, and equitable. My program has prepared me to meet this competency by providing me with a foundation in quality improvement principles and methods. I have also had the opportunity to participate in quality improvement projects in my clinical rotations. Practice Inquiry The practice inquiry competency requires nurse practitioners to be able to critically evaluate the evidence and use it to improve their practice. My program has prepared me to meet this competency by providing me with coursework in research methods and evidence-based practice. I have also had the opportunity to participate in research projects and to critically appraise the literature in my clinical rotations. Technology and Information Literacy The technology and information literacy competency requires nurse practitioners to be able to use technology and information effectively in their practice. My program has prepared me to meet this competency by providing me with training in the use of electronic health records, clinical decision support systems, and other relevant technologies. I have also had the opportunity to learn how to effectively search and appraise the literature. Policy The policy competency requires nurse practitioners to be able to understand and influence health policy. My program has prepared me to meet this competency by providing me with coursework in health policy and by giving me opportunities to participate in advocacy activities. I have also had the opportunity to learn about the legislative process and how to effectively communicate with policymakers. Health Delivery System The health delivery system competency requires nurse practitioners to understand the different settings in which health care is delivered. My program has prepared me to meet this competency by providing me with clinical rotations in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, and community health centers. I have also had the opportunity to learn about the different roles that nurse practitioners can play in these settings. Ethics The ethics competency requires nurse practitioners to be able to make ethical decisions in their practice. My program has prepared me to meet this competency by providing me with coursework in ethics and by giving me opportunities to discuss ethical dilemmas with my peers and mentors. I have also had the opportunity to learn about the different ethical frameworks that can be used to guide decision-making. Independent Practice The independent practice competency requires nurse practitioners to be able to practice autonomously and to collaborate with other health care professionals. My program has prepared me to meet this competency by providing me with opportunities to practice independently in my clinical rotations. I have also had the opportunity to learn about the different ways that nurse practitioners can collaborate with other health care professionals. Engaging in Social Change As a nurse practitioner, I plan to engage in social change by working to improve the health of my community. I will do this by providing high-quality, evidence-based care to my patients, by advocating for policies that promote health equity, and by educating the public about health issues. Specifically, I plan to work with community organizations to address the social determinants of health, such as poverty, housing insecurity, and food insecurity. I will also work to increase access to preventive care and to improve the quality of care for underserved populations. I believe that nurse practitioners have a unique opportunity to make a difference in the world. We are able to provide high-quality, evidence-based care, and we are also able to advocate for policies that promote health equity. I am excited to use my skills and knowledge to make a positive impact on the health of my community.

Sample Answer

  Scientific Foundations The scientific foundations competency requires nurse practitioners to have a strong understanding of the basic and clinical sciences that underpin their practice. My program has prepared me to meet this competency by providing me with a rigorous foundation in anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, pharmacology, and other relevant sciences. I have also had the opportunity to participate in clinical rotations in a variety of settings, which has given me hands-on experience applying this knowledge to patient care.