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NU623 :Create a respose to the post below by Jacqueline Reid . Using APA style minimum of 2 refrences 

Post By Jacqueline Reid : The growing population of the aged and ill in our country is increasing, and additional resources are needed to help manage this trend.   For some, living longer comes with chronic conditions and comorbidities.  Advanced Practiced Nurse Practitioners (APNP) are a great resource in helping patients age with better health outcomes.

              According to Heale, James, Wenghofer, and Garceau, (2018) “Traditional family practices have struggled to meet all the healthcare needs of this growing group of patients. In Canada, one response to these challenges is primary healthcare reform, which includes a shift from solo family doctor practices to the development of new models of primary healthcare”.  Canada’s solution to managing this trend is to establish nurse practitioner-led clinics (NPLC) in Ontario. 

           Areas which have primary care access and processes in place to manage the health of a community lead to better health outcomes. This model accommodates areas with reduced access to a primary care provider.  The significance of the role of the NPLC is that these clinics are managed by nurse practitioners who are the primary providers and not a physician.  In this model physicians are consultants (Heale, James, Wenghofer, & Garceau, 2018, p. 554).

           Utilizing an APNP as an NPLC is using the role of an APNP to its full potential.  It is exciting to know the level of trust which has been instilled in these providers in caring for an underserved community, and to not be hindered by limitations within their scope of practice.  This is a win-win situation, and I look forwarded to advances in the role of an APNP such as that of the NPLC to come to fruition in Georgia.

             In comparison to the scope of practice in Georgia, APNP work under the license of a physician.  According toRules and Regulations of the State of Georgia, (2019) an APNP must “adhere to a written nurse protocol which is a written document mutually agreed upon and signed by the nurse and licensed physician which specifies delegated”. This also includes medical acts delegated by the physician to the nurse and provides for immediate consultation with the delegating physician or a physician designated in the absence of the delegating physician”.  This also includes having physician oversight for the ordering and administering of controlled substances, medical treatment, and ordering of diagnostics studies. 

          However, at my clinical rotation as well as several APNP I have spoken with, have experienced autonomy within their practice.  APNP continuing to practice with integrity, and providing the best care for their patients will aid in advancement of our role.  Ultimately, improving patient medical outcomes and quality of life is the goal.

References

Heale, R., James, S., Wenghofer, E., & Garceau, M. (2018, November). Nurse practitioner’s perceptions of the impact of the nurse practitioner-led clinic model on the quality of care of complex patients. Primary Health Care Research & Development, 19(6), 553-560. http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/S1463423617000913

Ortiz, J., Hofler, R., Bushy, A., Yi-ling, L., Khanijahani, A., & et al. (2018). Impact of nurse practitioner practice regulations on rural population health outcomes. Healthcare, 6(2). http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/healthcare6020065

Regulation of advanced practice registered nurses. (2019). Retrieved from http://rules.sos.state.ga.us/nllxml/georgiacodesGetcv.aspx?urlRedirected=yes&data=admin&lookingfor=410-11