1

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

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.

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
 4

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
 5

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
 6

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.

References

American Nurses Association. (2023). About us. American Nurses Association. https://

www.nursingworld.org/ana/about-ana/
 8

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

nursing education standards inspires a new model of shared governance. Journal of

professional nursing: official journal of the American Association of Colleges of

Nursing, 54, 79–84. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.profnurs.2024.06.013

Jokiniemi, K., Suutarla, A., Meretoja, R., Kotila, J., Axelin, A., Flinkman, M., Heikkinen, K., &

Fagerström, L. (2020). Evidence-informed policymaking: Modelling nurses' career

pathway from registered nurse to advanced practice nurse. International journal of

nursing practice, 26(1), e12777. https://doi.org/10.1111/ijn.12777

Unsworth, J., Greene, K., Ali, P., Lillebø, G., & Mazilu, D. C. (2024). Advanced practice nurse

roles in Europe: Implementation challenges, progress and lessons learned. International

nursing review, 71(2), 299–308. https://doi.org/10.1111/inr.12800

Villanova, D., & Holy Family, G. M. (2024). National Organization of Nurse Practitioner

Faculties (NONPF). DNP Role Development for Doctoral Advanced Nursing Practice,

213.

Wheeler, K. J., Miller, M., Pulcini, J., Gray, D., Ladd, E., & Rayens, M. K. (2022). Advanced

Practice Nursing Roles, Regulation, Education, and Practice: A Global Study. Annals of

Global Health, 88(1), 42. https://doi.org/10.5334/aogh.3698