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Benchmark - Future Scope, Role, and Professional Obligations Paper
Zilola Bozorova
College of Nursing and Health Care Professions, Grand Canyon University
NUR-513-O101- Introduction to Advanced Registered Nursing
Dr. Cynthia D Aaron
October 19, 2024
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Benchmark - Future Scope, Role, and Professional Obligations Paper
The healthcare landscape is evolving rapidly, and advanced registered nurses (ARNs) are
playing an increasingly critical role in meeting the demands of this complex system (Unsworth et
al.,2024). As healthcare needs grow more diverse and technology advances, ARNs are stepping
into leadership roles that shape patient outcomes, influence policy, and transform the future of
care delivery. These professionals are not only navigating the responsibilities of advanced
clinical practice. However, they also influence legislation, policy, and organizational standards to
broaden their scope and improve healthcare access for diverse populations.
This paper discusses the current and future scope of practice for advanced registered
nurses, the role of key professional organizations in expanding that scope, and a pressing issue
that may reshape the profession in the coming years. In doing so, it aims to demonstrate the
evolving and influential position ARNs hold in the healthcare ecosystem, highlighting the
intersection of professional development, advocacy, and patient care.
Scope of Future Role as an Advanced Registered Nurse
As an advanced registered nurse, my future scope of practice will be defined by a
combination of regulatory frameworks, certification requirements, and accreditation standards
(Wheeler et al.,2022). ARNs typically take on expanded roles that enable them to diagnose, treat,
prescribe, and manage patient care more independently than registered nurses (RNs). For
instance, as a nurse practitioner (NP), my scope would include performing physical exams,
interpreting diagnostic tests, and developing treatment plans for patients across various age
groups and health conditions.
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In the United States, regulatory agencies such as state nursing boards are responsible for
outlining the scope of practice for ARNs. These boards ensure that nurses practice within their
education, certification, and licensure parameters (Jokiniemi et al.,2020). Certification is often
governed by national agencies like the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) or
specialty-specific organizations like the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board (PNCB). These
certifications ensure that ARNs meet the competency standards for delivering high-quality care.
Accreditation agencies such as the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
(CCNE) ensure that nursing programs prepare graduates to meet these regulatory and
certification requirements (Caruso et al.,2024). For ARNs, maintaining certification through
continuing education and re-credentialing is essential for keeping up with the evolving scope of
practice, particularly as healthcare becomes more specialized and complex.
Professional Nursing Organizations Advancing the Scope of Practice
Several professional nursing organizations are pivotal in advocating for the expanded
roles of advanced registered nurses. These organizations support nurses' professional
development and work tirelessly to influence policies that allow ARNs to practice to the full
extent of their education and training. Three particularly influential organizations include the
American Nurses Association (ANA), the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP),
and the National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties (NONPF).
American Nurses Association (ANA):
The ANA is one of the largest and most established nursing organizations in the United
States. It advocates for nurses' rights, improved healthcare standards, and legislation that
empowers nurses to practice autonomously (American Nurses Association,2023). The ANA has
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been pushing for full practice authority for ARNs, particularly in states where restrictive laws
limit nurse practitioners' ability to work independently. The ANA's focus on improving
healthcare delivery through nursing leadership aligns with my vision of enhancing patient care
through holistic, informed practice.
American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP):
The AANP is dedicated to promoting the role of nurse practitioners in healthcare and
ensuring they have the tools, resources, and legislative support to deliver patient-centered care
(Arends et al.,2024). The organization works closely with policymakers to advocate for full
practice authority, which allows nurse practitioners to assess, diagnose, treat, and manage
patients without physician oversight. AANP membership would provide me access to a network
of professionals, continuing education resources, and opportunities to influence health policy
directly. Its mission to empower NPs aligns with my philosophy of care, which centers on patient
autonomy and equitable access to healthcare services.
National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties (NONPF):
NONPF educates and prepares nurse practitioners to meet future healthcare demands
(Villanova & Holy Family, 2024). By setting high educational standards and advocating for
innovative clinical practice models, NONPF ensures that nurse practitioners are well-equipped to
handle the complexities of modern patient care. As an organization, it is deeply invested in
expanding the role of nurse practitioners through academic and clinical excellence, which
resonates with my long-term goals of providing evidence-based, patient-centered care.
Of these three organizations, I would like to join the AANP due to its focus on advancing
nurse practitioners' scope of practice and its commitment to full practice authority across all
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states. The AANP's goals align with my worldview, emphasizing the importance of patient
autonomy, equity, and access to comprehensive care. As a member, I would be better equipped
to advocate for policy changes that remove barriers to independent practice and improve
healthcare outcomes. Furthermore, the AANP's emphasis on continuing education would allow
me to stay informed about best practices, ultimately enhancing the quality of care I provide.
A Controversial Issue Affecting the Scope of Practice: Full Practice Authority
One of the most controversial and evolving issues likely to affect my scope of practice in
the coming years is the ongoing debate over full practice authority for nurse practitioners. Full
practice authority allows ARNs, particularly nurse practitioners, to provide care without
physician oversight, including the ability to diagnose and treat patients and prescribe medications
independently. This issue is particularly pressing in states where restrictive laws limit nurse
practitioners' ability to practice autonomously, often requiring them to enter collaborative
agreements with physicians.
The debate over full practice authority concerns patient safety, access to care, and the
quality of care provided by nurse practitioners compared to physicians. Proponents of full
practice authority argue that nurse practitioners are highly trained and capable of providing high-
quality, cost-effective care, especially in underserved areas where physicians are in short supply.
Research has shown that nurse practitioners deliver care comparable to that of physicians in
terms of patient outcomes, particularly in primary care settings.
Opponents, however, raise concerns about patient safety and the potential for fragmented
care when nurse practitioners work independently of physicians. They argue that physician
oversight is necessary to ensure that complex cases are managed appropriately and that the level
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of training physicians receive cannot be replaced by the education provided to nurse
practitioners. The American Medical Association (AMA) is one of the leading organizations
opposed to full practice authority, citing concerns about maintaining high standards of care and
patient safety.
As this issue evolves, it will significantly impact the profession, particularly regarding
access to care, healthcare costs, and the ability of nurse practitioners to meet growing healthcare
demands. For advanced registered nurses, full practice authority represents an opportunity to
practice to the full extent of their education and training, providing care that is patient-centered,
holistic, and accessible. However, the outcome of this debate will also influence the profession's
relationship with other healthcare providers, particularly physicians, and will have a ripple effect
on the entire healthcare system.
Conclusion
As an advanced registered nurse, I look forward to stepping into a dynamic and evolving
role that allows me to improve patient outcomes and shape healthcare's future. By staying
informed about regulatory and certification requirements, aligning myself with professional
organizations like the AANP, and staying engaged in debates over issues like full practice
authority, I will be well-positioned to advocate for patients and advance the profession. The
evolving role of ARNs in the healthcare system is exciting and challenging, and it is crucial to
remain proactive in navigating the legislative, professional, and clinical changes.
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References
American Nurses Association. (2023). About us. American Nurses Association. https://
www.nursingworld.org/ana/about-ana/
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Arends, R., Austin-Ketch, T., Covelli, A. F., Davis, L., Hallas, D., Kalmakis, K., Kirkland-Kyhn,
H., Melillo, K. D., O'Reilly-Jacob, M., Parish, A., Rawlett, K., Ricciardi, R., Tracy, C.,
Winkelman, C., & Whitehouse, C. (2024). American Association of Nurse Practitioners
Research Agenda, 2023-2028. Journal of the American Association of Nurse
Practitioners, 36(5), 257–261. https://doi.org/10.1097/JXX.0000000000001011
Caruso, K., Haas, B. K., Gipson, C. S., & McAlister, B. (2024). Commission on collegiate
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Unsworth, J., Greene, K., Ali, P., Lillebø, G., & Mazilu, D. C. (2024). Advanced practice nurse
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Villanova, D., & Holy Family, G. M. (2024). National Organization of Nurse Practitioner
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Wheeler, K. J., Miller, M., Pulcini, J., Gray, D., Ladd, E., & Rayens, M. K. (2022). Advanced
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