Nurse Practitioner
As a nurse practitioner, assessing a client’s health literacy, culture and language would be my first step in dealing with clients with poor adherence to care regimens. Providing patient forms and educational materials that are appropriate from cultural, linguistic, and literacy standpoints (Singleton 2009), or providing, if necessary an interpreter, would ensure along with return demonstration that the client can adhere to care regimens.
I could make a difference in the APN’s role compared to my present role in professional nursing by enabling me to diagnose, manage, treat and deliver primary care equal to physician-provided care, but in a more cost-effective manner. Nurse Practitioners provide a more holistic approach to health care as opposed to expensive acute care settings, prescribe less and order less diagnostic tests Numerous studies have shown that the cost of services provided by nurse practitioners is generally less than the cost of the same services provided by a physician (Bauer 2010).
Having further education and an advanced practice background would allow me more autonomy. I could offer a broad range of services (exams, ordering labs, writing scripts, etc...) and have options to work in a variety of healthcare settings (Peds, ER, clinics, etc...). Having an advanced practice background would also give me an opportunity to offer education and counseling to those who poorly adhere to care regimens, fail to keep appointments and follow up visits, or those who lack financial resources, all while continuing to focus on and guide clients in both health promotion and disease prevention.
References:
Bauer, J. (2010). Nurse practitioners as an underutilized resource for health reform: evidence-based demonstrations of cost-effectiveness. Journal Of The American Academy Of Nurse Practitioners, 22(4), 228-231.