APRNs are licensed, independent practitioners, NPs practice autonomously and in coordination with health care professionals and other individuals. APRN scope of practice (SOP) is not setting specific. An APRN may work in almost any setting provided that the needs of the patients for whom they are providing care fall within their professional scope of practice; consistent with the APRN Consensus Model, that describes the four (4) roles and the recognized population foci.
Acquiring New Skills and Activities
APRN academic/graduate programs follow established educational standards, which provide the APRN with specialized knowledge and clinical competency, which enable them to practice according to an established role and population focus. Pursuant to KRS 314.021(2) all nurses are held responsible and accountable for making decisions that are based upon the individual's educational preparation and current clinical competence.
When seeking to acquire new skills or activities an APRN may wish to consider whether the new skill is:
- Consistent with the professional scope and standards of practice in which the APRN has received national certification and licensure (role and population focus).
- Consistent with state and federal laws.
Further, the APRN will be expected to be able to provide documentation for how the APRN become educationally prepared and clinically competent to perform a newly acquired skill.
One method for demonstrating educational preparation and clinical competence is through obtaining relevant certifications within a specialty area. Another method would be to create a portfolio of trainings, workshops, and continuing education that demonstrates the acquisition of additional knowledge and clinical competency in the specialty area.
APRN Scope of Practice Topics of Frequent Concern