FAMILY NURSE PRACTITIONER OPTION OBJECTIVES

Upon graduation or entry into practice, the family nurse practitioner should demonstrate competence in the following:

1. Synthesis of theoretical, scientific and contemporary clinical knowledge for the assessment and management of both health and illness states for the purpose of health promotion, health protection, disease prevention, and treatment of the individual, family group and community.
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2. Demonstrate the personal, collegial, and collaborative approach which enhances the family nurse practitioner's effectiveness of patient care.
3. Impart knowledge and associated psycho-motor skills to patients by interpreting and individualizing therapies through the activities of advocacy, modeling, and tutoring.
4. Demonstrate a commitment to the implementation, preservation, and evolution of the family nurse practitioner role.
5. Implements critical thinking and builds collaborative, interdisciplinary relationships to provide optimal care to the patient.
6. Oversees and directs the delivery of clinical services within an integrated system of health care to achieve improved health outcomes for patients, communities, and systems.
7. Ensures quality of care through consultation, collaboration, continuing education, certification and evaluation (eligible for state and national certification upon completion of the program).
8. Provides culturally competent care, delivers patient care with respect to cultural and spiritual beliefs, and making health care resources available to patients from diverse cultures.

Adapted from the US Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Nursing (April 2002). Nurse practitioner primary care competencies in specialty areas: Adult, family, gerontological, pediatric, and women's health. Rockville, MD: Author.

CLINICAL NURSE LEADER OPTION OBJECTIVES

These objectives are adapted from the core abilities necessary for nurses in administrative roles as specified in the Position Statement: Education for Nurses in Administrative Roles (Supplement to The Essentials of Master's Education for Advanced Practice Nursing) prepared by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing and The American Organization of Nurse Executives (1998).

1. Develop and articulate a vision for nursing practice in an organization in the context of complex health care delivery systems;
2. Employ management skills that facilitate collaborative relationships;
3. Select and use advanced analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills;
4. Make sound decisions that value effectiveness and parsimony in use of resources;
5. Think globally using information and communication technology;
6. Assume risk-taking behavior for the purpose of enhancing quality health care;
7. Advocate for consumers and community partners;
8. Demonstrate creativity in defining and solving problems;
9. Foster and implement team-building strategies that create partnerships and collaboration within nursing and cross health care disciplines;
10. Embrace change and manage it effectively;
11. Negotiate and resolve conflict;
12. Effectively market the nursing practice enterprise;
13. Demonstrate effective public speaking; and
14. Establish relationships with community groups around the issue of health.

Adapted from:

Joint AACN-AONE Task Force on Nursing Administration Education (1998). Position Statement: Education for nurses in administrative roles (Supplement to The Essentials of Master's Education for Advanced Practice Nursing). Journal of Professional Nursing, 14(2), 127-129.

SCHOOL NURSE OPTION PROGRAM OBJECTIVES

1. Apply appropriate models and theories as a basis for decision making in the provision of school nursing services.
2. Demonstrate proficiency and expertise in the school nurse role as provider and planner/coordinator of client care.
3. Assist students, families and staff to promote optimum levels of health and prevent disease through health education and health counseling.
4. Promote a comprehensive health education program to advance wellness for students, families and the community.
5. Work effectively with school staff, administrators and parents in establishing, reviewing and revising school health-related policies and procedures.
6. Demonstrate cogent communication and interdisciplinary collaboration strategies in planning effective school health programs and services for students with health problems and special educational needs.
7. Apply research findings to relevant problems in school nursing practice, and collect and utilize pertinent data in developing programs and policies.
8. Participate in school nursing and other specialist organizations and assume responsibility for continued education and professional development.
9. Act as client advocate on individual, aggregate and community levels.

Updated 04/07