The National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties (NONPF) has determined core competencies that apply to all nurse practitioners, regardless of specialty or patient population focus. NONPF has represented them within nine broad areas of core competence. NONPF created the first set of Nurse Practitioner Competencies in 1990; the most recent updates were incorporated in 2017. This synthesis course has had the overarching objective of preparing you to be able to synthesize knowledge gained throughout the program and be prepared to apply each of the nine core competencies within your selected areas of practice and your representative communities.
The nine broad areas of competency are:
Scientific Foundations
Leadership
Quality
Practice Inquiry
Technology and Information Literacy
Policy
Health Delivery System
Ethics
Independent Practice
See attachment
Prepare:
For each of the nine NONPF competencies, write one paragraph explaining how the program has prepared you to meet it (for a total of at least nine paragraphs). Then, propose and explain how you plan to engage in social change in your community as a nurse practitioner. Be specific and provide examples.
Full Answer Section
- Quality: The program has prepared me to meet this competency by teaching me about the principles of quality improvement. I have learned how to identify problems, collect data, and develop interventions to improve the quality of care. I have also learned how to measure the impact of my interventions and to make sure that they are sustainable. This knowledge will help me to provide high-quality care to my patients and to make a positive impact on the health of my community.
- Practice Inquiry: The program has prepared me to meet this competency by teaching me how to conduct research. I have learned how to formulate a research question, collect data, and analyze data. I have also learned how to communicate the results of my research to others. This knowledge will help me to improve my practice and to contribute to the body of knowledge about nursing.
- Technology and Information Literacy: The program has prepared me to meet this competency by teaching me how to use technology to support my practice. I have learned how to use electronic health records, how to access and interpret research data, and how to use social media to communicate with patients and colleagues. This knowledge will help me to provide efficient and effective care to my patients and to stay up-to-date on the latest evidence-based practices.
- Policy: The program has prepared me to meet this competency by teaching me about the political process and how to advocate for change. I have learned how to identify policy issues that affect the health of my patients and my community, and how to develop and implement strategies to influence policy. This knowledge will help me to make a positive impact on the health of my community.
- Health Delivery System: The program has prepared me to meet this competency by teaching me about the different types of health care delivery systems and how to navigate them. I have learned about the role of primary care, specialty care, and public health in the health care system. I have also learned about the challenges facing the health care system and how to be a part of the solution. This knowledge will help me to provide care to my patients in the most efficient and effective way possible.
- Ethics: The program has prepared me to meet this competency by teaching me about the ethical principles that guide nursing practice. I have learned about the importance of respecting patient autonomy, confidentiality, and beneficence. I have also learned about the challenges of ethical decision-making in the health care setting. This knowledge will help me to make ethical decisions in my practice and to advocate for my patients' rights.
- Independent Practice: The program has prepared me to meet this competency by teaching me how to practice independently. I have learned how to assess patients, develop treatment plans, and manage care. I have also learned how to collaborate with other health care providers and how to advocate for my patients. This knowledge will help me to provide care to my patients in a safe and effective manner.
In addition to the nine NONPF competencies, the program has also prepared me to be a critical thinker, a communicator, and a lifelong learner. These skills will be essential for me to be successful as a nurse practitioner.
I plan to engage in social change in my community by working to improve access to health care, to reduce health disparities, and to promote healthy lifestyles. I will do this by working with community organizations, by advocating for policy change, and by educating my patients about their health. I am committed to making a difference in the lives of my patients and my community, and I believe that the skills and knowledge I have gained through this program will help me to achieve my goals.