Advanced critical care nursing: a novel role with ancient history and unprecedented challenges worldwide
Journal
Nursing in Critical Care
Date Issued
February 8, 2011
Author(s)
DOI
10.1111/j.1478-5153.2011.00446.x
Abstract
The acute care nurse practitioner (ACNP) role in critical care emerged because of the need for expert practitioners to provide care to patients with increased acuity levels and complex health conditions (Kleinpell, 2009a).
Although, the role appeared to develop
because of residency shortages in intensive
care units (ICUs) (Keeling and Bigbee, 2005), it should not be viewed as an opportunity for nurses to relieve doctors of some of their increasedworkload.
Rather it should be regarded as a predictable and long due restoration of
nursing’s inherent attributes of clinical
judgement and sovereignty, and as a superb chance to improve patients’ outcomes and to advance the culture of critical care
Although, the role appeared to develop
because of residency shortages in intensive
care units (ICUs) (Keeling and Bigbee, 2005), it should not be viewed as an opportunity for nurses to relieve doctors of some of their increasedworkload.
Rather it should be regarded as a predictable and long due restoration of
nursing’s inherent attributes of clinical
judgement and sovereignty, and as a superb chance to improve patients’ outcomes and to advance the culture of critical care