APN PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
APN Professional Development Paper
This paper covers general information on the scope of practice of Florida nurse
practitioners, as well as the requirements for education, certification,
...
APN PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
APN Professional Development Paper
This paper covers general information on the scope of practice of Florida nurse
practitioners, as well as the requirements for education, certification, and licensure. In addition,
this paper will also explore nurse practitioner competencies and leadership skills, which are
essential to the delivery of holistic, patient-centered, evidence-based care and treatment. The
nurse practitioner’s scope of practice is governed by the Florida Nurse Practice Act and the
Florida Statutes. The state of Florida is a restricted practice state, which means that “state law
requires career-long supervision, delegation or team management by another health provider in
order for the NP to provide patient care.” ("AANP State Practice Environment," n.d.) Further,
this professional development plan will serve as a guide throughout this MSN-FNP journey.
Educational and Licensing Requirements
In Florida, the FL Board of Nursing is the governing authority for NPs. Here, in order to
apply to an MSN program to become a nurse practitioner, an individual must possess a valid,
current, unrestricted RN license and a BSN degree. Successful completion of a master’s level
education program is required in order to become an advanced practice nurse. As outlined in the
2018 Florida Statutes chapter 464, a nurse seeking to become a nurse practitioner may apply for
initial licensure examination by demonstrating certification by the appropriate specialty board,
and/or completion of a graduate nursing program in a clinical nursing specialty. Similar to
obtaining an RN license in the state of Florida, NPs also need to clear fingerprinting and
background checks. According to the AACN, the number of NPs has grown to more than
270,000, up 9% from 2018.
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APN PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Practice Environment and Prescriptive Authority
Advanced practice nurses, specifically the family nurse practitioner, may practice in a
variety of settings such as acute care, private practice, and outpatient/ambulatory centers.
“Patients are benefiting now more than ever before from the high quality, comprehensive,
patient-centered health care services provided by nurse practitioners.” (AACN Bold Voices,
2019). As mentioned above, Florida is a restrictive practice state for nurse practitioners,
according to the AACN. In essence, this means that the APN needs to enter into a protocol with
a supervising physician in order to practice. Nurse practitioners are not the only ones who would
benefit from less restrictive practice in Florida. A recent study published by Nursing Outlook
points out that “removing restrictions could expand access to quality health care, cost-effectively
relieve the physician shortage and contribute economically.” (Unruh, Rutherford, Schirle, &
Brunell, 2018)
The Nurse Practice Act chapter 464.012 describes the APN’s prescriptive authority and
limitations, indicating that an APN may “prescribe, dispense, administer, or order any drug;
however, an advanced practice registered nurse may prescribe or dispense a controlled substance
as defined in s. 893.03 only if the advanced practice registered nurse has graduated from a
program leading to a master’s or doctoral degree in a clinical nursing specialty area with training
in specialized practitioner skills.” (Florida Statutes, 2018) More specifically, the Florida Statutes
section 464.012 states that an NP may prescribe any drug and Schedules II-V controlled
substance under the supervision of a physician and if outlined in the written protocol.
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APN PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Nurse Practitioner (NONPF) Core Competencies
The National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties has established nine NP core
competencies that graduate NPs should possess (NONPF, 2011). These core competencies are:
1. Scientific Foundation
2. Leadership
3. Quality
4. Practice Inquiry
5. Technology and Information Literacy
6. Policy
7. Health Delivery System
8. Ethics
9. Independent Practice
For the sake of brevity and relevance, I am electing to discuss four competencies, two in
which I find areas of strength, and two in which I find growth opportunities. I feel like I have a
strong sense of Ethics. Having worked in various nursing fields from hospice to
emergency/trauma, I have come in contact with patient care situations which could have easily
become ethical dilemmas. I am able to analyze and evaluate complex issues and integrate ethical
principles in my decision making. I have involved the Ethics Committee in certain cases where
the members of the healthcare team and patient and/or family do not agree, such as in end of life
situations where the designated healthcare surrogates do not agree on plan of care or question the
validity of the patient’s advanced directives. Another competency I feel I am strong in is Health
Delivery System. I look at my patients holistically, and that means I always make my best
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APN PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
efforts to address their needs not only from a treatment perspective, but also taking into account
their culture, beliefs, and preferences. On multiple occasions, I have served as a resource to new
RNs in the department to orient them and guide them. Other members of the team such as
physicians and social workers often approach me to ask questions about resources, follow up
care, and patient education.
Furthermore, as this is a professional development plan, I have also identified two areas
where I have opportunities to grow in: Leadership and Independent Practice. I realize I need
more self-awareness in order to develop my confidence and assertiveness. Being more confident
in my clinical and critical thinking skills will allow me to take more active leadership roles.
While I am a strong advocate for my patients at the direct care level, I need to develop strategies
to increase my leadership skills to be able to advocate for patients beyond the bedside. When it
comes to Independent Practice, I feel intimidated by the level of responsibility and accountability
that comes with being an independent practitioner. I do feel I would be able to perform the role
of an APN, however, I realize that I need more knowledge and skills before I can function at that
level. I am confident that throughout this master’s program, I will attain the necessary tools to
excel in this particular competency.
As I continue learning and evolving throughout this educational journey, I plan on joining a
professional organization such as the ENA (Emergency Nurses Association) and the Magnet
committee at the healthcare organization where I work. Being involved in these groups will help
me develop stronger leadership skills by being in the frontlines of change and evidence-based
practice. As far as independent practice is concerned, I feel like I already can perform patient
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APN PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
care that is accountable, patient-centered, respectful, supportive, holistic, and collaborative.
However, I do recognize that I lack confidence to do so independently as the sole, primary care
provider. Throughout this program, and as part of the clinical rotations component, I will seek
the support and guidance of fellow NPs and physicians to continue to grow in my field and
increase my confidence level. I will continue seek scholarship by selecting a mentor and/or a
coach and staying up to date with evidence based practices and relevant research which will help
guide my own independent practice.
Leadership Skills
Advanced practice nurses require strong leadership skills as they are at the frontlines of
advocacy and change in healthcare. “Whereas management is the coordination of resources to
meet organizational goals, leadership is built on relationships.” (DeNisco & Barker, 2015, p.
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