discussion reply
Reply by s
-Suggesting additional actions or perspectives.
-Share insights after comparing state processes, roles, and limitations.
-Suggest a way to advocate for the profession.
After completing a master’s degree in nursing or a post-master’s program focused on an advanced practice nursing specialty from an accredited school recognized by the US Department of Education, one is qualified to take a national certification examination. The American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board (AANPCB) and The American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) Certification Program are the two nurse practitioner certification boards. Both certification programs are accredited by the Accreditation Board of Specialty Nursing Certification (ABSNC) and the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA) (AANP, n.d.). The application process information is listed on the New Jersey Consumer Affairs website for the New Jersey Board of Nursing. The requirements to complete the application include proof of a current New Jersey registered professional nurse license in good standing, completed application form and payment of fees, original official transcripts, proof of passing the highest level national Advanced Practice Nurse Examination in the area of clinical specialty, and evidence that all advanced nursing practice certifications and licensures are in good standing, expired, or in some other status (New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs, 2015).
Scope of Practice and Practice Agreement in New Jersey
In New Jersey, the Board of Nursing outlines the statutes that define the permitted duties of an advanced practice nurse (APN). APNs can manage preventative care services, diagnose illnesses, initiate laboratory and diagnostic testing, prescribe and order treatments, and perform procedures. These practices must be done with a collaborating physician in which joint protocols must be established and agreed upon. All records and charts of patients treated by the APN must be reviewed periodically. The physician must also be present or readily available at all times (NJ Division of Consumer Affairs, 2020).
Prescribing Controlled Substances and Drug Enforcement Agency Licensure
To obtain a Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) license, complete a controlled dangerous substance registration application and submit it to the NJ Division of Consumer Affairs. It is required for APNs to be supervised and/or collaborate with a physician (NJ Division of Consumer Affairs, n.d.). In New Jersey, licensed nurse practitioners can only prescribe controlled drug schedules 2, 2N, 3, 3N, 4, and 5. They cannot dispense, administer, or procure these medications (Department of Justice, 2022).
Legislative and Advocacy Activities of Advanced Practice Nurse in New Jersey
New Jersey nurse practitioners are involved in organizations such as the New Jersey State Nurses’ Association and the American Association of Nurse Practitioners. Currently, the main legislative and advocacy activity that the state APNs are heavily focused on is the fight for full practice authority. There is a physician shortage that threatens the health of New Jersey residents, and the APNs are advocating to increase access to health care by having the ability to practice to the full extent of their education and licensure (NJ State Nurses Association, 2019).
