Assignment 5.1: Research the regulation of advanced practice nurses. Discuss specific agencies and your state board’s specific requirements
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An advanced practice nurse (APN) is a registered nurse with a minimum master’s degree in the field of nursing. This vocation has individuals with advanced education, training, skills, and scope of practice due to their education. For one to become an APN, the government needs to register and issue a practice license. Studies show that in 2000, the NCSBN National Council of State Boards of Nursing adopted uniform standards of APN practice regulation. However, despite these uniform standards, states are seen to establish individual regulations for APN certification.
APNs comprise nurse anesthetics, midwives, clinical nurse specialists, and nurse practitioners. These people are often seen taking over roles as primary care providers. APNs are equipped with additional knowledge and training, allowing them to remain ahead of all nursing research, public health issues, and the management of chronic diseases. Other than these roles, APNs are also at the forefront of ensuring preventive care within the public (payforresearchpapers.com).
Some of the nationally recognized agencies dealing with the certifications of APNs include, American Nurses Credentials Center, American Academy of Nurse Practitioners, American College of Nurse-Midwives Certification Council, National Certification Board of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners, National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists, National Certification Corporation for the Obstetrics, Gynecologic, and Neonatal Nurse Specialties, and American Board of Nursing Specialties(“New Jersey APN License Requirements”, 2019). Despite the uniform standards established, there are different scoring systems for clinical specialty, tests, and procedures.
The New Jersey Board of Nursing (NJBN) is the primary certification agency for all aspiring APN/APRNs hoping to practice within New Jersey. As seen above, there are numerous national certification agencies issue APN nursing certifications. The NJBN is seen to recognize all seventeen advanced practice specialties. The NJBN also accepts APN certifications given by certifying agencies accredited through the American Board of Nursing Specialties(“New Jersey APN License Requirements“, 2019).
The New Jersey Board of Nursing APN Certification
For one to be a licensed APN in New Jersey, the NJBN is the primary body that offers certifications. As seen in the earlier section, the NJBN also accepts certifications from accredited certifying agencies. According to the laws of New Jersey, any person seeking to become a registered APN within the state must present himself or herself before the NJBN. The board also allows certified APNs to imprint their credentials as R.N., A.P.N (“New Jersey APN License Requirements“, 2019). Before applying to become an APN, regulation states that one must read all the regulations and procedures required. For an application, the individual is required to send an email with their contact information, highest applicable degree, specialty and certification type, and the application type (initial certification, endorsement, or reinstatement) (“Advanced Practice Nurse Certification”, 2015).
Education Requirements
The applicant is required to attach official school transcripts and mail them to the NJBN. The official transcripts act as evidence of graduation from a masters-level program or the post-master’s program. It also shows the successful completion of a graduate-level 3-credit course in Pharmacology from a school accredited by a national accrediting agency approved by NJBN (“Advanced Practice Nurse Certification”, 2015). It also shows the completion of at least 45 hours of a pharmacology course integrated into the master’s degree program.
In the event that the applicant completed his/her graduate-level 3-credit pharmacology course more than five years ago, he/she must provide evidence of having met either of the following pharmacology requirements; continuing education program certificate for thirty contact hours in continuing professional education related to the APN category’s scope of practice or a transcript for a graduate-level 3-credit course (“Advanced Practice Nurse Certification”, 2015).
The state of New Jersey also requires each applicant to successfully pass the highest level practice examination in their specialty as specified by the NJBN. Written verification from the examination’s certifying agency is required. The letter must be delivered directly from the certifying agency to the NJBN. The regulations also state that APNs from other states wishing to be certified for practice in New Jersey must follow the procedure described above. The requirements also require that all registered APNs must inform the NJBN of all changes in address or any other information in writing. The state also requires APRNs to renew their licenses biennially (“Advanced Practice Nurse Certification”, 2015).
References
Advanced Practice Nurse Certification. (2015). Retrieved 29 October 2019, from https://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/nur/Pages/APN-Certification.aspx
New Jersey APN License Requirements. (2019). Retrieved 29 October 2019, from https://www.nursinglicensure.org/np-state/new-jersey-nurse-practitioner.html