Continuing discussion re: Practice question in the New World

'This is quite interesting as one of my friends lost their position since they were not an acute care NP and were part of a cardiology group. I posed the question to the MBON asking if this would be different come October, and was told that the position of the board was unchanged.... Only acute care NP would be allowed to round on monitored patients.' Simione

Yes the MBoN could, in the recent past, 'police' NPs who were requesting to act 'outside' their scope of practice. After Oct 1st, the MBoN will no longer do so as they will not be reviewing a CA. It now falls to the hospitals, practices and the individual NP to not accept or accept a position for which they are qualified.

‘NP Qualification’ was based on the degree and certification the NP held – FNP, ANP, Acute Care NP, etc. NP Schools created these designations, not the law, statute, BoNs or other professional nursing organizations.

Elaine’s rather jaded opinion is that the Schools created these certifications to make more money for themselves and not necessarily to produce better NPs. Elaine also believes this power should be removed from For-Profit Schools and placed in the hands of a National, Non-Profit, organization!

Back in the day, NPs were taught in school and then became something more in the work place - just like doctors and nurses. Remember your RN degree – it didn’t specify where you could work. Just gave you a basic and, hopefully, complete education to work as an RN in any situation. Personally I can say ER RNs are born not made by a school of nursing!

It remains to be seen, if the 'scope of practice' as defined by our society will be based solely on the degree from a college/university (as it has been recently) or will included previous experience (as an RN).

NPs can sit back and wait for the next big organization to define their practice and education, or they can stop being complaisant ninnies and do something now that we have taken back our independence. I would like to see some movers and shakers help me take up this cause.

I'd say we are in for demanding times ahead. My advice - be careful, be brave, but very careful

Also: an opportunity.

UMMC now in ED in Grasonville. The group is looking for an NP there--likely can be Family, Acute Care, and Adult. Someone who can handle being with a group of docs, some of who are new to NPs. Here's a note from them: "We've got a new freestanding ED opening in October in Grasonville (15 min from Annapolis), and we're expanding staffing."

Sent in by D.L.Schofield, DNP, CRNP, NP Program Manager: ED, PREP, Mod Sedation, Assistant Professor, OSAH, SON

Yours in Independence,

Elaine M. Crain, MSN, CRNP

MCNP Secretary, Greater Annapolis Coordinator.

Coordinator: One who brings the different elements of a complex activity or organization into a relationship that will ensure efficiency or harmony.