In general, the scope of nursing practice may differ across the country according to a state, however, its requirements and essential components are reflected in regulating local and federal nurse practice acts. According to Chapter 464 of the Nurse Practice Act included in Florida Statutes (2019), only certified nurse practitioners, certified nurse anesthetists, certified nurse midwives, and clinical nurse specialists may execute advanced nursing practice. The nurse practitioners’ scope of practice in this state includes health assessment and advanced patient diagnosis (“The 2019 Florida Statutes: Chapter 464,” 2019). Registered nurses are responsible for the implementation of appropriate nursing medical measures in order to improve or support patients’ conditions. Moreover, they perform all necessary diagnostic and therapeutic procedures and tests that involve health care equipment and interpret obtained results (“The 2019 Florida Statutes: Chapter 464,” 2019). In addition, nurse practitioners provide advanced patient counseling and advocacy, health care education, and palliative or end-of-life care (“The 2019 Florida Statutes: Chapter 464,” 2019). It goes without saying that efficient nursing practice implies the obtainment of professional skills and knowledge acquired through appropriate education, additional training, certification, and experience.
One of the most essential requirements for the execution of practice for advanced nurse specialists is obligatory licensure. It may be obtained either through the Department’s examination or endorsement, and all applicants should additionally submit the current licensure’s verification in case of its existence, electronic fingerprints, and the criminal history records check (“The 2019 Florida Statutes: Chapter 464,” 2019). Advanced practice nurses should maintain national certification from an established certifying body according to their specialty – nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist, certified nurse-midwife or certified registered nurse anesthetist (“The 2019 Florida Statutes: Chapter 464,” 2019). In general, advanced clinical practice for nurse practitioners in Florida requires a master’s degree in the field of nursing and the certification’s completed application submitted according to the state’s legislation.
As a matter of fact, the scope of practice differs across the United States on the basis of its autonomy as well. According to the American Association of Nurse Practitioners, the scope of advanced practice in Florida is restricted (“Where can nurse practitioners work without physician supervision?” n.d.). This type of practice supposes the existence of the physicians’ direct control over the activities of registered nurses. In other words, nurse practitioners cannot diagnose, prescribe medications, treat, and educate patients without constant physician oversight (“Where can nurse practitioners work without physician supervision?” n.d.). Under certain circumstances, this limitation of nursing practice has a substantially negative impact on the effective and time-sensitive delivery of health care to patients within the state.
First of all, the citizens of rural areas and patients who need acute management may be regarded as the most vulnerable population affected by the restricted scope of practice. In recent years, the shortage of health care providers has become a considerable health issue in the United States. That is why, as nurse practitioners depend on physicians and cannot work independently, the shortage or abundance of clinicians may lead to the absence of health care delivery, especially in rural areas. This situation causes health care disparity that will inevitably threaten the patients’ lives and welfare. In addition, the restricted autonomy of advanced practice nurses does not allow them to make time-sensitive decisions that are especially significant in the case of acute management. That is why EDs used for primary care are frequently overcrowded with people who are forced to wait for long periods of time to receive medical assistance. In addition, compulsory cooperation between nurse practitioners and physicians may lead to interpersonal conflicts or medical errors that influence the quality of health care in a highly negative way.
References
The 2019 Florida Statutes: Chapter 464. (2019). Online Sunshine. Web.
Where can nurse practitioners work without physician supervision? (n.d.). Simmons University. Web.