The impact of the cardiac surgical nurse practitioner role on the ward

The Application of the Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Role in a Cardiovascular Patient Population

“…The ultimate goal of the ACNP is to provide the best evidence-based care possible and ACNPs have been proven to be successful in numerous departments. 12 This goal can be achieved by the ACNP actively engaged with the patient and family members, and also working with an interdisciplinary team to formulate a patient-specific plan of care tailored to address the physical, emotional, and psychosocial needs of the patient. 13 Although one would argue that there is not a "typical" day for an ACNP, the ACNP is an integral part of coordination of care; enhancing communication between the nursing staff, physicians, other clinicians, and ancillary departments; educating nursing staff and patients; and facilitating processes required for discharge to either the patients' home, rehabilitation center, or skilled nursing unit.…”

“…13 Although one would argue that there is not a "typical" day for an ACNP, the ACNP is an integral part of coordination of care; enhancing communication between the nursing staff, physicians, other clinicians, and ancillary departments; educating nursing staff and patients; and facilitating processes required for discharge to either the patients' home, rehabilitation center, or skilled nursing unit. 12,14,15 On a daily basis, in an effort to reduce hospital length of stay, mortality and morbidity, and hospital readmission rates, the ACNP is constantly evaluating avenues to contain cost while providing safe and efficient care, increase patient satisfaction, and ensure the plan of care comprises action plans to ensure patient safety. 8,10,12,16,17 As a result of the ACNP's consistent vigilance over these clinical indicators, patients who received care from ACNPs had the same clinical outcomes as patients who were managed by hospitalist-led care.…”

“…12,14,15 On a daily basis, in an effort to reduce hospital length of stay, mortality and morbidity, and hospital readmission rates, the ACNP is constantly evaluating avenues to contain cost while providing safe and efficient care, increase patient satisfaction, and ensure the plan of care comprises action plans to ensure patient safety. 8,10,12,16,17 As a result of the ACNP's consistent vigilance over these clinical indicators, patients who received care from ACNPs had the same clinical outcomes as patients who were managed by hospitalist-led care. 14,17 This case study highlights the role of an ACNP caring for an acutely ill patient hospitalized over 70 days.…”