Answer
The scope of practice for AGACNPs can vary by state, but there are several core competencies relevant to all employed AGACNPs.
According to the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN), key aspects of the acute care NP role include:
- Gathering patient histories
- Performing physical examinations and screenings
- Diagnosing and managing patients with acute, critical or complex illnesses/injuries
- Prescribing medications and advanced therapeutic intervention
- Ordering, performing and interpreting diagnostic studies
- Providing health promotion, education and counseling
- Collaborating with other medical professionals as a team
You can find a full description of the ACNP scope of practice in the “AACN Scope and Standards for Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Practice 2017,” available through the AACN website.
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