Introduction
The advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) position has progressively grown to be a crucial position in the United States. APRN continues to grow as a vital role bridging the gap between physicians and the population. The amount of physicians practicing is inversely proportional to the population that they are serving. This is the reason as to why it is necessary to have APRN. In order to become an advanced practice nurse, one must return to school in an accredited postgraduate course within the specialty they are planning to practice in.
APRN is, at the least, Masters-prepared or, at the highest level, Doctorate-prepared nurses. In addition to education, there are also licensing requirements. APRN plays a fundamental role in current as well as the future of health care. Ranging from direct patient care to education, an APRN needs to remain up to date if not ahead of methodology and technology. APRN Educators play a pivotal role in designing, implementing, evaluating, and revising educational programs ranging from first time nursing students to nurses furthering their education. This paper seeks to delve into the future roles of nurse practitioners (in this case Nurse Educators) and their scope, the regulatory structure overseeing their practice, accreditation, and credentialing, nursing professional organizations they can hold memberships with, and challenges and evolving issue matters related to Nurse Educators.
Scope of Future Role as a Nurse Educator, Regulation, Accreditation and Credentialing
APRN practice is generally delineated by the Nurse Practice Act and governed by the Board of Nursing. Since Nurse Educators (NE) combine clinical expertise with a desire to teach, clinical experience is an imperative aspect of becoming a Nurse Educator. NE can teach students that range from aspiring new nurses, educate in the goal of furthering the development of practicing clinical nurses, and those seeking continued higher education. NE transition to a pedagogical role devoted to providing intellectual and education to fellow nurses and their community. NEs have the opportunity to participate in research, publish articles in scholarly journals, speak at conferences, and utilize technology (WHO, 2016).
Regulations that Nurse Educators must meet include completion of a graduate nursing education program, including theoretical and practical factors, possess an up to date nursing permit, and two years of clinical practice within the past five-year span. NE must also be prepared with formal teaching experience (ANA, n.d.).
In regard to accreditation, it is the specific courses that the NE completes at the university that needs to be accredited. Accreditation for an institution and courses are on a regional and national level. Grand Canyon University (GCU) is endorsed by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). GCU has held this accreditation since 1968. In addition to their long-standing accreditation, they are authorized by the Arizona State Board for Private Postsecondary Education (Grand Canyon University, 2020).
Certification for NE was made available in 2009 by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA). NE can get two different certifications. The first certification is by Certified Nurse Educator (CNE), which is an academic educator that assists studying through a set of courses, a plan, coaching, assessment, and recommendation by the school of nursing faculty (NLN, 2020). The second certification, Certified Academic Nurse Educator is an academic educator facilitating the education of nursing students during clinical component of an academic nursing course. NE must meet specific criteria in order to apply for certification: active nursing license while practicing as a nursing educator and graduate level of education Masters or Doctorate.
Three Professional Nursing Organizations
Professional nursing organizations are crucial for all registered nurses, especially for advanced nurse professionals. This is particularly true, reflecting on the regulatory structure, as stated above. The professional organization provides a platform and forum on which nurses can come together regarding policies, which includes a political process. Political progressions require multiple voices in order for changes to be made. Professional bodies can help with the exchange of professional ideas for improved practice. There are very few professional organizations dedicated to Nurse Educators. Three notable professional nursing organization that NE can benefit from include the Professional Nurse Educator Group, American Nurses Association, and National League for Nursing (NLN).
NLN is among the leading
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