What is the NP Role?

What is the Nurse Practitioner Role?

The purpose of the following section is to provide an overview of the nurse practitioner role as an advanced nursing practice role. After reviewing this section, employers and preceptors should have a better understanding of the role of the nurse practitioner (NP), the types of educational experiences needed to educate nurses to make the transition to the NP role, and the suitability of a preceptorship program in your agency.  The information is organized according to key points which will assist in your decision-making for becoming a clinical site.  Key concepts and terms within each point have been elaborated on in the boxes below. A variety of resources have been used with links to the library or other sites for further information.

Who are these students?

There are similarities but also differences when precepting nursing students in undergraduate programs versus those entering nurse practitioner programs. First, they are both students, and therefore share common concerns based on adult learning. The major difference is that NP students are already registered nurses and bring with them nursing expertise. They are in the process of gaining the knowledge and skills to develop their nursing practice beyond what is now the legislated scope of practice for registered nurses.  Traditional models of perceptorship for undergraduate nursing students can provide information applicable for NP education; however modifications are required to meet the unique characteristics of the advanced nursing practice role.

Point #1: The nurse practitioner is an advanced practice nurse who engages in advanced nursing practice.

Point #2: The nurse practitioner role is a valued member of the health care team and can benefit your organization by providing services as educator, leader, consultant, practitioner and/or researcher.

Point #3: The scope of practice for the nurse practitioner in Ontario is defined by additional controlled acts above those legislated to Registered Nurses.

Point #4: The successful implementation of the nurse practitioner role into agencies is important for successful integration into the health care system.