Health Systems and Leadership: Problem solving and suggesting

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Core Competencies of an APRN

There are seven core competencies that you will develop as an advanced practice nurse:

• Direct Clinical Practice: Direct clinical practice involves client-nurse interaction and may include family members or others.

• Coaching and Mentoring: APRNs coach clients, families, and staff nurses.

APRNs also need to be actively involved in assisting and mentoring other nurses to achieve excellent patient care.

• Consulting: Staff nurses and healthcare team members may seek

assistance from APRNs because of the clinical expertise of APRNs.

• Research and Evidence-Based Practice (EBP): A hallmark of advanced practice nursing is the use of EBP and research, when possible.

• Health Systems and Leadership: Problem solving and suggesting

necessary changes are some of the major contributions of APRNs within the health system. Leadership skills help APRNs effectively perform in health, clinical, and professional arenas.

• Collaboration Opportunities: APRNs and healthcare team members

usually have different perspectives on a client’s needs. Therefore, collaboration between APRNs and healthcare team members helps enhance their ability to meet those needs. Collaboration is a process that requires commitment and good communication among the team members.

• Ethical Decision Making: The American Nurses Association (ANA, 2001)

has published documents on ethics, since the nursing profession is replete with ethical dilemmas. Your new role as an APRN may introduce new uncertainties into your practice. Even within the competency of collaboration, there may be occasions for consensus building among team members so that a client’s needs are satisfactorily met.

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