RNFA Discussion: Professional Standards and Competencies Comparison

This discussion compares and identifies the differences between the “Professional Standards for Expanded Practice Perioperative Registered Nurse” and the “Professional Standards for Advanced Practice Nurse (Perioperative).” Both advocate for patients, but the APN demonstrates autonomy and influences healthcare strategy, while the Expanded Practice RN supports a safe environment. The APN is accountable to the public for competent practice, while the Expanded Practice RN is responsible within legal and ethical standards. The discussion also elaborates on the differences between the competencies of RNFAs and APNs, highlighting that both possess clinical expertise, but RNFAs excel in critical thinking, while APNs are competent in research skills and evidence-based practice. Desklib provides access to this and other solved assignments to support students.

Running head: RNFA DISCUSSION 1
Rnfa Discussion
Student’s Name
Institutional Affiliation

RNFA DISCUSSION 2
Compare and identify the differences between “Professional Standards for Expanded
Practice Perioperative Registered Nurse” and “Professional Standards for Advanced
Practice Nurse (Perioperative)”
Both the Expanded Practice Perioperative Registered Nurse and the Advanced Practice
Nurse (Perioperative) advocate for patients (Williams et al., 2016). The APN (Perioperative)
indicates autonomy of practice in combination with other practices, reacts to affect institutional
and health care strategy along with promoting an environment where advocacy is the norm. On
the other hand, Expanded Practice Perioperative Registered Nurse supports a safe environment
enhancing optimal patient results together with supporting a practice environment that advocates
for the patients (Williams et al., 2016).
The Expanded Practice Perioperative Registered Nurse is responsible and answerable for
their actions within acceptable legal, professional along with ethical standards established by
their regulatory body. However, the APN (Perioperative) is answerable and liable to the public
for capable, competent, evidence-based, moral along with safe nursing practice whether
providing direct perioperative healthcare or via a consultative or supportive role. Furthermore,
the APN (Perioperative) constantly assess their training based on elucidated core capabilities
while Expanded Practice Perioperative Registered Nurse demonstrates skills relevant to their
perioperative practice environment (Williams et al., 2016).
Compare, identify and elaborate on the differences between the Competency of RNFAs
with that of Professional Competency for APN (Perioperative)
RNFAs and APN (Perioperative) are both competent in demonstrating clinical expertise
as they are familiar with proposed surgical processes, clinical anatomy and surgeon approach.

RNFA DISCUSSION 3
They recognize anatomical abnormalities which may affect the surgical interventions.
Consequently, RNFA is competent in exercising critical thinking skills where they analyze and
synthesize as a mean of approaching an issue or a decision (Mollohan & Morales, 2016) while
APN (Perioperative) is competent in research skills as they participate in collaborative research,
prepare evidence-based teaching program and research role as an intervention nurse (Tymkow,
2014).

RNFA DISCUSSION 4
References
Mollohan, J. K., & Morales, M. (2016). Strategies for successful perioperative
orientation. AORN journal, 104(2), 100-110.
Tymkow, C. (2014). Clinical scholarship and evidence-based practice. The doctor of nursing
practice essentials, 61-132.
Williams, T. E., Baker, K., Evans, L., Lucatorto, M. A., Moss, E., O’Sullivan, A., ... & Zittel, B.
(2016). Registered Nurses as Professionals, Advocates, Innovators, and Collaborative
Leaders: Executive Summary. OJIN: The Online Journal of Issues in Nursing, 21(3).