Nurse Practitioner: Roles, Skills, and Clinical Challenges

This report provides a critical analysis of the role of a nurse practitioner (NP) within the healthcare sector. It begins with an introduction to the healthcare industry and defines the NP's role as an advanced practice registered nurse, emphasizing their responsibilities in patient assessment, diagnosis, and treatment planning. The report explores various roles of the NP, including their involvement in primary care, their collaboration with other healthcare professionals, and their diverse work settings. It then delves into the essential skills of NPs, such as strong communication, leadership, analytical abilities, patience, time management, flexibility, and history-taking. The report also addresses the clinical challenges NPs face, including emotional work, varying work hours, and interpersonal dynamics with patients and colleagues. The analysis highlights the importance of self-awareness, emotional support, and effective coping strategies for NPs to navigate these challenges and provide optimal patient care.

Critical analysis

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
MAIN BODY...................................................................................................................................1
Role of the nurse practitioner......................................................................................................1
Skills of Nurse Practitioners........................................................................................................2
Clinical Challenges of the role of Nurse Practitioner.................................................................4
CONCLUSION................................................................................................................................6
References:.......................................................................................................................................7

INTRODUCTION
The health care sector is defined as he businesses which perform the function of providing the
medical services, production of equipments related to medical or drugs, provide medical
insurance along with assist the healthcare related provisions to the patients (Heusinkvelt, Nelson
and Langer, 2022). This report is based on the role of nursing practitioner. This report deals with
the skills and clinical challenges of nursing practitioner.
MAIN BODY
Nurse practitioner is considers as an advanced practice registers nurse or a type of the mid level
practitioner. These are trained for assessing the patent needs and interpret diagnostic and
diagnose disease. laboratory test, formulate and prescribe the treat plan. A Nurse practitioner
training cover the basic disease prevention, health promotion, coordination of care, but does not
given a depth of the expertise required to recognize the complex condition.
Role of the nurse practitioner
When it comes to understand that what the nurse practitioner does, them most significant
factors need to remember is that nurse practitioner act as primary care provider to the patients.
That means, nurse practitioner provide a care to their various patients without being directly
overrisen by any physical in several states. They also write the prescriptions and also order the
diagnostic tests when required. Therefore, there are various role played by the nurse practitioner.
Certain of these roles and mentioned below:
 Nurse practitioner work by various setting including the emergency rooms, managed care
facilitates, hospitals, surgical clinics and other private practices. Therefore, in all these
setting, nurse practitioner treat wide range of the patients populations mainly depending
on their different or unique areas of concern (Owens, 2019).
 As a primary healthcare provider, the nurse practitioner help their patients in maintaining
a better health and also treat their illness. It require focusing on patient's health histories
and other symptoms that they are experiencing. The laboratory testes provide a
supplemental information which alert them to abnormalities which may not be revealed
via a conversion with patents.
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 No matter setting, the nurse practitioner play a vital role on front lines of the patient care.
The nurse spend much time with the patient and as a result this frequently means that
they may be first to notice when their situation or condition take a turn and should act
very quickly in concert with the other health care provider on patient's care team.
 Nurse practitioner work collaboratively and independently with the other healthcare
professionalism in setting which include urgent care, ling term care facilities, clinics dan
many mores. It should be keep in mind that scope of the practice for the nurse
practitioner varies within different region, and sometime even from the setting to setting.
Thus, form the above analysis, it is analysed that nurse practitioner are essential part of our
country's healthcare system as they help in bring a comprehensive perspective with a personal
touch to the patents care. nurse practitioner also serve ad educators and healthcare providers.
Skills of Nurse Practitioners
Nurse Practitioner (NP) is a registered nurse with a master's degree in nursing. Their obligations
and responsibilities include patient care, illness and illness prevention, and support for
diagnosing and treating illness. The scholars can work in various medical settings such as clinics,
hospitals, outpatient centers, and schools (Poghosyan, 2018). NP may specialize as a Family
Nurse Practitioner (FNP) in a variety of areas, including pediatrics, mental health, geriatrics, or
overall family medicine. Below mentioned are several skills of nurse practitioners: Strong Communication Skills: Making a medical diagnosis or ordering a lab test is one
thing; with a successful NP, patients can feel empathetic and understanding of their own
and their families' needs. It is critical to find a way to overcome language barriers and
explain complex medical information to patients. The NP must translate some complex
medical terms into everyday language. People mistake communication for talking, but it
also includes being a good listener. The patients will have more faith in NP if they
believe they can communicate with Nurse Participator. Great Leadership Skills: In making a donor decision, the caregiver must interact
carefully and compassionately with the patient, family, and other professional colleagues.
Nurses need to be confident in their ability to make decisions, especially in difficult
situations. NP must be able to take responsibility if NP have the opportunity. However, as
a team player, NP also need to be aware of when NP can delegate tasks to others. Being a
leader can mean that NP can ask for opinions and help. The NP must be a professional
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and represent the best interests of the patient and other caregivers. Nurses are always
team leaders, and as nurses, they continue to lead the provider's team and delegate tasks
to improve patient outcomes. Analytical Skills: Every patient and situation is unique. Successful NPs understand the
importance of coordinating patient care practises and making changes or course
modifications based on the situation and the needs of the patient. As a critical thinker, NP
must be able to get up quickly and decide what to do. 99 times out of 100, a successful
NP will only be prepared once if it does not work. Exhibit patience under stress: As an NP in a provider role, NP must sometimes rely on
answering difficult questions. To improve patient care, it is critical to remain calm during
stressful situations and to give clear instructions. Despite the outpouring of sympathy, it
is critical not to take things personally (Katz, Powers and Amusina, 2021). NP
understands that when people become frustrated, it is almost always due to the situation,
not the person. NP must be able to deal with stressful situations calmly and accurately. Time management: One of the most important skills of a nurse is time management.
Depending on the clinical environment in which NP work, seeing a patient may take only
15 minutes, and when NP leave the office, NP may need to move on to the next patient
right away. NP must make the most of NP time if NP do not want to stay longer each
day. Time management is also essential (Pleshkan and Boykins, 2022). This will keep the
patient from having to wait too long for NP visit, which can ruin NP first impression.
Once mastered, this skill is a simple way to reduce stress, get enough sleep, and live a
healthy lifestyle. This only enhances the quality of care NP provide and the enjoyment
NP derive from it. Flexibility: Clinical work is not always predictable, necessitating the use of adaptable
nursing staff. Flexibility is a necessary skill for caregivers in order to think quickly,
provide quality care, and maximise their time. As NP gain experience, NP will notice that
there are specific clinical scenarios and patients who can predict what will happen based
on signs and symptoms. This, however, is not always the case. Also, life can get in the
way. Perhaps NP coworker has an emergency and NP need to pick up half of his patients
that day. There could be a patient in NP neighbourhood who is without power and
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requires medical attention. This happened where I used to work, and I went with a doctor
and a flashlight while she was performing an examination.
 History Talking: I have a good medical history on occasion, so the more detailed it is, the
better. NP can provide more than just a physical examination. This is also where NP will
get to know NP patient. This is an essential step in the process of developing a patient-
healthcare relationship. Maintaining a patient's medical history is an essential nursing
skill. It makes no difference how good NP physical examination skills are. If detailed
information about a patient's past, family history, current illness, or medication is not
gathered, they cannot be properly diagnosed, and clinical symptoms may be missed. It is
critical to their overall health. This is one of a nurse's skills, as a quick medical history
limits the time available to contact the patient before performing the procedure.
Clinical Challenges of the role of Nurse Practitioner
Working as a nurse has many advantages and benefits, but it also has challenges, just like any
other job. Some of these difficulties for nurses can be found in any medical field or emotionally
demanding job. Others are distinguished by the fact that they are nurses. Becoming a nurse can
be difficult, from physical demands to interpersonal conflicts to emotional health. Below
mentioned are the several clinical challenges of the role of Nurse Practitioner: Emotional Work: Any type of care position can be emotionally draining. It makes no
difference what specialty NP are as a Nurse Practitioner (NP). NP have a significant
impact on people's lives. This work can be personal, painful, inspiring, and rewarding.
Building a trusting relationship with the patient is an important part of becoming a nurse.
Leading people to better health during their most difficult and vulnerable times can be
expensive. One of the most difficult challenges for caregivers is not bringing these
emotional situations into the home (Jackson and Lopez, 2018). Checking in with NP at
the end of the day is one of the best ways to separate the emotional aspects of NP work
from NP personal life. What difficulties did NP face today? Where is the headroom?
How can I take this home with me? What are NP coping strategies if NP have to take it,
and who is NP support system? The best way to deal with the emotions that arise from
caring for others is to practise self-awareness and to seek emotional support when
needed.
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 Varying Hours: Working as a nurse allows NP to be very flexible with NP schedule,
which is often beneficial, but not always. NP may work 9 to 5 jobs and multiple shifts
depending on NP area of expertise and the department in which NP work. It can have an
impact on NP personal life if NP have variable working hours, long nights, or a slightly
inconvenient NP role. One of the most difficult challenges for a nurse practitioner is
balancing work and life, which can be hampered by schedule changes and overtime.
Knowing NP and NP needs is one way to navigate this challenge. If NP are looking for a
job as an NP and know NP do not like working nights, NP can avoid this situation by
discussing shift schedules during NP interview. Making the most of NP vacation time
can also help NP deal with an uNPedictable schedule. What do NP do to unwind? What
do NP like to do in NP spare time? Even if the holidays are on Tuesday and Wednesday,
find a way to make it feel like a weekend. As with any job, the support system is critical.
Understanding how important NP work is to NP and having people in NP life who
empower NP to take care of NP can be beneficial. Working with people: Working in healthcare is frequently similar to working in
customer service. NP not only have a very human coworker, but NP customer is a patient
who comes to NP with very serious and personal concerns. This can create additional
difficulties if people are concerned about their health or do not trust the healthcare
system for any reason . When the entire family is involved in patient care, it adds new
perspectives and personalities that must be worked with. Patients may be angry, worried,
sad, demanding, or appear unconcerned. Working closely with people is rewarding, but
it is also one of the most difficult aspects of being a nurse. Clinically, NP may know
what a person requires, but it does not always appear to be the case. If NP're having
trouble working with someone, contact them directly and ask what they want when they
ask for assistance. This not only assists NP in identifying the root cause of the problem
and providing the overall service NP seek, but it also assists NP in earning trust points.
Building trust with patients takes time, but it is necessary for patient-centered care.
 Power Imbalance and hierarchy: It is a well-known fact that the nurse-doctor
relationship can have unpleasant dynamics, whether NP are a registered nurse, nurse
practitioner, or doctor (Hagan and Curtis Sr, 2018). This isn't just for doctors. This can
also pervade the care community, and NP can maintain that hierarchy by working with
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other caregivers who are more experienced or have been at work for a longer period of
time than NP. This is frequently due to an outdated hierarchical healthcare system, which
can be one of the most difficult challenges for nurses. On paper and legally, NP may
have complete autonomy to care for the patient on NP own, but the people NP work with
do not trust NP and manage NP and NP clinical practise meticulously. I would like to
object to the decision and suggest that NP only provide a general barrier to providing
care like NP. Not every employee will be like this. NP can, in fact, develop collaborative
and empowering relationships with NP co-workers. There are a few things NP can do if
NP find NP in a hierarchical healthcare system (Feyereisen and Goodrick, 2021). The
first step is to "read the space," followed by communication. Once NP understand how
NP co-workers think and receive feedback, NP can decide how to communicate NP
expectations, needs, and frustrations by expressing NP and building relationships. Before
accepting a job, one of the best things NP can do is try to evaluate these dynamics. The
interviewer inquires about how everyone collaborates and how their career wants NP to
be a part of it. Are NP working on NP personal development? Do they want to not only
help NP when NP need it, but also give NP the confidence to make NP own decisions?
Have NP previously worked with a nurse? How did NP find the experience? These types
of questions will assist NP in evaluating it before NP become engrossed in the culture of
NP workplace.
CONCLUSION
From the above report, it has been concluded that the nursing practitioner is required to
focus on their practice along with the educational qualification. In the respective field, it is
necessary to have proper skills in order to play the role of NP in an effective and efficient
manner. The practitioner is required to develop the skills within themselves in addition to this, it
has been also analysed that the nursing practitioner will face several clinical challenges while
performing their role in the hospital. The respective skills will help them to overcome from the
challenges.
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References:
Books and Journals
Feyereisen, S. and Goodrick, E., 2021. Examining variable nurse practitioner independence
across jurisdictions: a case study of the United States. International Journal of Nursing
Studies, 118, p.103633.
Hagan, J. and Curtis Sr, D.L., 2018. Predictors of nurse practitioner retention. Journal of the
American Association of Nurse Practitioners, 30(5), pp.280-284.
Heusinkvelt, S.E., Nelson, D.M. and Langer, K.J., 2022. Preparing Adult Gerontology Acute
Care Nurse Practitioner Students for Role Transition Through Hospital Immersion. The
Journal for Nurse Practitioners.
Jackson, H.J. and Lopez, C.M., 2018. Utilization of the nurse practitioner role to combat the
opioid crisis. The Journal for Nurse Practitioners, 14(10), pp.e213-e216.
Katz, J., Powers, M. and Amusina, O., 2021. A review of procedural skills performed by
advanced practice providers in emergency department and critical care
settings. Disease-a-Month, 67(1), p.101013.
Kleinpell, R., Cook, M.L. and Padden, D.L., 2018. American Association of Nurse Practitioners
National Nurse Practitioner sample survey: Update on acute care nurse practitioner
practice. Journal of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners, 30(3), pp.140-
149.
Lin, H.C., Hwang, G.J. and Hsu, Y.D., 2019. Effects of ASQ-based flipped learning on nurse
practitioner learners' nursing skills, learning achievement and learning
perceptions. Computers & Education, 139, pp.207-221.
Lowe, G., Plummer, V. and Boyd, L., 2018. Nurse practitioner integration: Qualitative
experiences of the change management process. Journal of nursing management, 26(8),
pp.992-1001.
Owens, R.A., 2019. Nurse practitioner role transition and identity development in rural health
care settings: A scoping review. Nursing Education Perspectives, 40(3), pp.157-161.
Pleshkan, V. and Boykins, A.D., 2022. Cognitive preceptorship: An emerging nurse practitioner
role transition to practice model. Journal of Professional Nursing, 39, pp.194-205.
Poghosyan, L., 2018. Federal, state, and organizational barriers affecting nurse practitioner
workforce and practice. Nursing Economics, 36(1), pp.43-46.
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