GET THE APP

Breaking Barriers: Advancing Nursing Roles and Redefining the Future of Healthcare
..

Journal of Advanced Practices in Nursing

ISSN: 2573-0347

Open Access

Opinion - (2023) Volume 8, Issue 3

Breaking Barriers: Advancing Nursing Roles and Redefining the Future of Healthcare

Kiyoshi Yamaguchi*
*Correspondence: Kiyoshi Yamaguchi, Department of Nursing, University of Tokyo, 7 Chome-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo City, Tokyo 113-8654, Japan, Email:
Department of Nursing, University of Tokyo, 7 Chome-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo City, Tokyo 113-8654, Japan

Received: 01-May-2023, Manuscript No. APN-23-100769; Editor assigned: 03-May-2023, Pre QC No. P-100769; Reviewed: 15-May-2023, QC No. Q-100769; Revised: 22-May-2023, Manuscript No. R-100769; Published: 31-May-2023 , DOI: 10.37421/2573-0347.2023.8.327
Citation: Yamaguchi, Kiyoshi. “Breaking Barriers: Advancing Nursing Roles and Redefining the Future of Healthcare.” Adv Practice Nurs 8 (2023): 327.
Copyright: © 2023 Yamaguchi K. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.

Introduction

In the rapidly evolving landscape of healthcare, nursing roles have expanded and advanced, breaking traditional barriers and redefining the future of the profession. Advanced nursing roles, such as nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, and nurse anesthetists, have emerged to meet the increasing complexity and demands of healthcare. In this article, we will explore how these advanced nursing roles are breaking barriers, expanding scope of practice, and reshaping the future of healthcare. Advanced nursing roles have paved the way for enhanced autonomy and expanded scope of practice. Nurse practitioners, for example, have gained the authority to diagnose, treat, and manage patients independently, reducing the burden on physicians and improving access to care. Clinical nurse specialists bring specialized expertise in areas such as critical care, pediatrics, and mental health, providing advanced care and consultation within their specific domain. These expanded roles empower nurses to make independent decisions, prescribe medications, order diagnostic tests, and provide comprehensive care, thus optimizing patient outcomes and addressing healthcare provider shortages [1].

Description

The shortage of primary care physicians has created a significant gap in healthcare access, particularly in underserved areas. Advanced nursing roles have emerged as a solution to bridge this gap. Nurse practitioners, in particular, are well-positioned to deliver primary care services, offering preventive care, diagnosing and treating common illnesses, managing chronic conditions, and providing patient education. By expanding the role of nursing in primary care, advanced practice nurses can improve healthcare access, reduce healthcare disparities, and promote population health. Advanced nursing roles promote collaborative team-based care, emphasizing interdisciplinary collaboration and communication. Advanced practice nurses work alongside physicians, pharmacists, social workers, and other healthcare professionals to provide holistic, patient-centered care. This collaboration enhances care coordination, improves healthcare outcomes, and optimizes resource utilization. Advanced practice nurses bring a unique perspective and expertise to the healthcare team, enriching the quality of care provided and fostering a collaborative environment that benefits both patients and healthcare professionals. Advanced nursing roles have positioned nurses as leaders and advocates within healthcare organizations and communities. Advanced practice nurses have the knowledge and skills to influence policy, advocate for patient rights, and drive quality improvement initiatives. They are at the forefront of implementing evidence-based practice, promoting patient safety, and leading healthcare teams [2-4]. By assuming leadership roles, advanced practice nurses contribute to the development and advancement of the nursing profession, shaping the future of healthcare delivery and policy.

Advanced nursing roles are closely tied to research and innovation. Advanced practice nurses engage in clinical research, contribute to evidencebased practice, and lead innovative initiatives to improve patient outcomes. They actively participate in clinical trials, develop new care models, and incorporate emerging evidence into their practice. Advanced practice nurses play a vital role in driving innovation, improving care delivery, and pushing the boundaries of nursing practice. Their involvement in research and innovation ensures that nursing practice remains dynamic, evidence-based, and responsive to the evolving needs of patients and healthcare systems. Advanced nursing roles play a crucial role in addressing healthcare disparities by focusing on the needs of marginalized and underserved populations. These roles prioritize cultural competence, social determinants of health, and health equity in care delivery. Advanced practice nurses work to eliminate barriers to healthcare access, provide culturally sensitive care, and advocate for equitable healthcare policies. By actively addressing healthcare disparities, advanced practice nurses contribute to a more just and inclusive healthcare system.

Advanced nursing roles emphasize patient advocacy and empowerment. Advanced practice nurses serve as strong advocates for their patients, ensuring that their voices are heard, their concerns are addressed, and their rights are protected. They actively involve patients in shared decision-making, educate them about their health conditions and treatment options, and support them in taking ownership of their health. By empowering patients, advanced practice nurses enhance patient satisfaction, engagement, and adherence to treatment plans, leading to improved health outcomes. Advanced nursing roles also involve mentoring and educating the next generation of nurses. Advanced practice nurses serve as preceptors, educators, and mentors for nursing students and novice nurses. They share their knowledge, skills, and experiences, nurturing the growth and development of aspiring nurses. By fostering a culture of mentorship and education, advanced practice nurses contribute to the advancement of the nursing profession and ensure a well-prepared workforce for the future. Advanced nursing roles are instrumental in driving quality improvement initiatives and ensuring patient safety. Advanced practice nurses actively participate in quality improvement projects, contribute to the development of evidence-based guidelines and protocols, and implement strategies to enhance patient safety. Their expertise and attention to detail help identify areas for improvement, reduce errors, and promote a culture of continuous learning and improvement within healthcare organizations.

Advanced nursing roles actively contribute to research and policy development. Advanced practice nurses engage in research studies, generate evidence to inform nursing practice, and contribute to the development of healthcare policies. Their involvement in research and policy helps shape healthcare practices, promote evidence-based care, and drive policy changes that benefit patient outcomes and the nursing profession as a whole [5].

Conclusion

Advanced nursing roles are breaking barriers and redefining the future of healthcare by addressing healthcare disparities, advocating for patients, mentoring and educating the nursing workforce, driving quality improvement and patient safety initiatives, and contributing to research and policy development. Through their expanded scope of practice, leadership, and commitment to patient-centered care, advanced practice nurses are playing a pivotal role in transforming healthcare delivery and improving health outcomes for individuals and communities. The continued growth and recognition of advanced nursing roles will undoubtedly shape the future of healthcare and further elevate the impact of nursing in improving the health and well-being of populations worldwide.

Acknowledgement

None.

Conflict of Interest

None.

References

  1. Lowe, Grainne, Virginia Plummer, Anthony Paul O’Brien and Leanne Boyd. "Time to clarify–the value of advanced practice nursing roles in health care."J Adv Nurs 68 (2012): 677-685.
  2. Google Scholar, Crossref, Indexed at

  3. Glarcher, Manela and Katharina Maria Lex. "Advanced nursing practice in Austria under consideration of outcome measurement."Z Evid Fortbild Qual Gesundhwes155 (2020): 11-16.
  4. Google Scholar, Crossref, Indexed at

  5. Niezen, Maartje GH and Jolanda JP Mathijssen. "Reframing professional boundaries in healthcare: A systematic review of facilitators and barriers to task reallocation from the domain of medicine to the nursing domain."Health Policy117 (2014): 151-169.
  6. Google Scholar, Crossref, Indexed at

  7. Denis, Jean-Louis, Lise Lamothe, Ann Langley and Annick Valette. "The struggle to redefine boundaries in health care systems." Restruct Profe Org (2012): 105-130.
  8. Google Scholar

  9. Coombs, Maureen and A. N. N. Dillon. "Crossing boundaries, re‐defining care: The role of the critical care outreach team."J Clin Nurs 11 (2002): 387-393.
  10. Google Scholar, Crossref

arrow_upward arrow_upward