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Ana
MSN Capstone Project-
Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) play a pivotal role in identifying and addressing health problems that impact their communities and clinical settings. Their advanced education, clinical expertise, and holistic approach to patient care uniquely position APRNs to assess community health trends, identify gaps in care, and implement evidence-based solutions to improve health outcomes. Addressing health problems is not just a professional responsibility for APRNs but a moral imperative to create meaningful change that benefits individuals, families, and entire populations (Htay & Whitehead, 2021).
Identifying Community Health Problems
APRNs are often at the forefront of patient care, which gives them direct insight into health issues affecting their communities. For instance, they may observe trends such as high rates of smoking among adolescents, increased hospitalizations due to preventable chronic illnesses, or disparities in access to care among underserved populations. Identifying these problems is essential because it allows APRNs to focus their efforts on addressing the root causes of poor health outcomes. By leveraging tools such as community health assessments, epidemiological data, and patient feedback, APRNs can pinpoint priority areas for intervention and advocate for resources to address them (Curley, Niedz, & Erikson, 2024).
The Importance of Creating Change as an APRN
Once a health issue is identified, APRNs must take proactive steps to create change. Health problems that remain unaddressed often escalate, leading to higher healthcare costs, poorer quality of life, and increased strain on healthcare systems. Adolescents, smoking in adolescents is not only a public health issue but also a precursor to long-term health complications such as cardiovascular disease and cancer. By addressing this issue early, APRNs can help prevent these outcomes and reduce the financial and social burden on the healthcare system (Torrens, et al., 2020).
Creating change as an APRN involves using evidence-based practices to design and implement interventions that address the identified health problem. APRNs are equipped to critically appraise research, apply clinical guidelines, and tailor interventions to meet the unique needs of their populations. For instance, an APRN in a primary care setting may design a smoking cessation program that combines digital tools, brief counseling, and family support to help adolescents quit smoking. This approach not only reflects the latest evidence but also aligns with the APRN’s role as an educator and advocate for health promotion (Torrens, et al., 2020).
Advocacy and Leadership
APRNs also serve as leaders and advocates for health equity and policy change. When systemic barriers, such as lack of funding or inadequate access to care, impede progress, APRNs can use their expertise to influence policymakers and stakeholders. By championing initiatives that address social determinants of health, such as education, income, and access to healthcare, APRNs can create sustainable change that benefits their communities (Curley, Niedz, & Erikson, 2024).
Conclusion
In conclusion, APRNS need to identify and address health problems within their communities and clinical settings. Doing so not only improves individual and population health outcomes but also ensures the efficient use of healthcare resources. By integrating clinical expertise with evidence-based practice, APRNs can design effective interventions, advocate for systemic change, and empower patients to take control of their health. This commitment to change is what sets APRNs apart as leaders in advancing the quality and accessibility of healthcare (Torrens, et al., 2020).
References
Curley, A. L., Niedz, B. A., & Erikson, A. (2024). Population-Based Nursing: Concepts and Competencies for Advanced Practice. Princeton: Springer Publishing Company.
Htay, M., & Whitehead, D. (2021). The effectiveness of the role of advanced nurse practitioners compared to physician-led or usual care: A systematic review. International Journal of Nursing Studies Advances, e,100034.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijnsa.2021.100034
Torrens, C., Campbell, P., Hoskins, G., Strachan, H., Wells, M., Cunningham, M., . . . Maxwell, M. (2020). Barriers and facilitators to the implementation of the advanced nurse practitioner role in primary care settings: A scoping review. International Journal of Nursing Studies, e,103443.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijnurstu.2019.103443
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