By understanding full practice authority for nurse practitioners and how a BSN to DNP program can prepare you for these responsibilities, you can determine whether this path may be right for you.
In light of recent physician shortages across the United States, more states have been granting nurse practitioners with FPA. According to the American Association of Nurse Practitioners, FPA is "the authorization of nurse practitioners (NPs) to evaluate patients, diagnose, order and interpret diagnostic tests, and initiate and manage treatments — including prescribing medications — under the exclusive licensure authority of the state board of nursing."
In other words, FNPs working in full practice authority states can, more or less, practice with the same powers and autonomy as licensed physicians.
Currently, more than half of the states and territories in the United States offer FPA for nurse practitioners. You can explore the AANP's interactive State Practice Environment map to see which states offer FPA.
The range of a nurse's responsibilities and powers is often referred to as the scope of practice. However, a nurse's scope of practice can vary throughout their career, especially as they advance their education or as state/federal policies evolve.
When it comes to FPA for nurse practitioners, states fall into one of three categories: full practice, reduced practice, and restricted practice.
In full practice authority states, NPs can carry out the same roles and responsibilities as physicians. This includes evaluating and diagnosing, ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests, and prescribing medications (including controlled substances).
Some states, such as Indiana and Ohio, offer reduced practice for NPs. This means NPs face restrictions in at least one aspect of their practice and must maintain a long-term collaborative agreement with a physician or other healthcare provider to continue offering care.
In some states, such as Texas and Oklahoma, NPs' autonomy is further reduced. Under restricted practice, NPs are limited in the care they can provide without career-long supervision or delegation from a physician or other healthcare provider.
Because the state boards of nursing determine their own respective laws related to practice authority and scope of practice, an NP's autonomy and power can vary greatly depending on the state in which they are practicing. This is why it's so important to check the current laws in your state if you're thinking about becoming an FNP and wish to work as a primary care provider or in a similar role.
If you already have your BSN, then you know you have plenty of options when it comes to advancing your education. So, what makes a BSN to DNP such a desirable path for many in your situation?
For starters, consider the fact that a BSN to DNP program empowers you to build extensive clinical expertise, knowledge, and experience to advance your career prospects and obtain your terminal degree in as little as 3-5 years. After completion of your BSN to DNP program, you'll be eligible to sit for certification as a family nurse practitioner (FNP) while being prepared to develop, implement, assess, and advance new practice approaches for healthcare delivery.
A BSN to DNP program will also include a leadership component to prepare future FNPs for the challenges and trials of working with full practice authority. With coursework covering such important topics as environmental health and public health policy, as well as informatics and leadership, you can be prepared to take on leadership roles with confidence.
If you're interested in earning your DNP and working in a state that offers full practice authority to NPs, then there are a couple of things you'll want to look for as you explore your options for BSN to DNP programs.
First, make sure that the program you select offers plenty of opportunities for clinical practice and direct patient care. This will allow you to put the theories and concepts you learn in class into real-world practice. In Nebraska Methodist College's (NMC) BSN to DNP program, students complete 1,080 contact hours (18 credit hours) in clinical practice specifically.
A BSN to DNP program should also incorporate evidence-based practice and proven research. This is the best approach to patient care that empowers nurses to use currently available research and evidence to make the most informed decisions on behalf of patients.
With more states offering FPA to NPs, both nurses and the community can benefit in a number of ways.
First, empowering FNPs with the same level of autonomy as a physician can improve access to healthcare services, especially in rural areas and other underserved areas where options for healthcare may be limited. With better access to care, it is possible to improve the health and wellness of entire populations.
When FNPs can diagnose, treat, read diagnostic tests, and even prescribe medications, they can exercise a greater sense of professional autonomy and build their confidence as nursing professionals. This increased level of responsibility and experience can, in turn, prepare them for future career growth as they move into more advanced healthcare and even leadership roles.
If you already have your BSN and are trying to figure out your next career move, advancing your education in a BSN to DNP program can be a great way to pursue a terminal degree in nursing in as little as a few years. During your time in a BSN to DNP program, you'll learn incredibly valuable skills that will translate directly to your own nursing practice while also having the opportunity to work on a scholarly doctoral practice and make a name for yourself in the nursing field.
At the end of it all, you'll be eligible to sit for your FNP certification, which can open up all kinds of opportunities. This is especially true if you plan to work in one of the many states and territories that offer full practice authority for nurse practitioners.
Yes, getting your DNP is a time commitment. However, if you select the right program that will work around your busy schedule, you can complete your studies without putting your important work as a nurse on hold.
BSN to DNP programs can be a great way to pursue your terminal degree while expanding your autonomy and better serving your patients as a nursing professional. Of course, not all BSN to DNP programs are created equal, which is why it's so important to do your research and choose the program that's best suited to your needs and professional goals.
At Nebraska Methodist College, our BSN to DNP program is specifically designed for busy nursing professionals ready to translate their education and experience into holistic healthcare treatment with a focus on provider-patient interaction. Of the 75 credit hours required in this program, 57 can be completed online — whereas the remaining 18 are dedicated to clinical practice. With full-time enrollment, students can expect to graduate in as little as 36 months.
Get in touch to learn more about our BSN to DNP program or any of the other programs offered at Nebraska Methodist College. You can also learn more about admission requirements and fill out your online application here.