Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
An Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (ACNP) is a registered nurse with a graduate degree in nursing who is prepared for advanced practice in acute care. This practice includes using a model to provide direct services to adult patients who are acutely or critically ill in a variety of settings. Diagnostic reasoning, advanced therapeutic intervention, and advanced education are key elements in the direct provision of care by the ACNP. The ACNP also uses skills in consultation and systems management in providing effective restorative care. The practice of the ACNP includes independent and interdependent decision-making and direct accountability for clinical judgment. The scope of practice is further defined on a state and institutional level. In addition, institutions and the team of the ACNP and physician(s) further define guidelines for the scope of practice.
The short-term goal of care for ACNPs is to stabilize episodes of acute illness and minimize complications; the long-term goal is to restore maximum health potential while evaluating risk factors. Key elements in the role of the ACNP include integration of care across the acute illness continuum, interaction with various healthcare providers, accountability and authority for patient outcomes in different practice settings, evidence-based clinical practice, patient advocacy, clinical leadership, family assessment, and discharge planning.
Within the UNM College of Nursing structure, the ACNP concentration is an intensive program in which the student is expected to complete the coursework and clinical experiences in seven terms. During the second year, a full-time commitment typically is required. Financial aid is generally available. Applicants are encouraged to explore financial aid options and apply for financial assistance prior to admission to the program.
Objectives
At the completion of the program, the graduate will be able to:
- Demonstrate knowledge in pathophysiology related to multiple body systems.
- Perform complete history and physical examinations.
- Order and understand the significance of results of laboratory and other diagnostic studies.
- Perform selected diagnostic and/or therapeutic procedures.
- Prescribe pharmacotherapeutics appropriate to the practice setting.
- Monitor and evaluate the results of therapeutic interventions.
- Take the ACNP certification examination jointly offered by the American Nurses’ Credentialing Center or the American Association of Critical Care Nurses.
- Manage complex clients in the acute care setting.
Admission Requirements
- Hold a bachelor’s degree (e.g., B.S.N.) from an accredited college or university, with an upper-division major in nursing. (Graduates from non-accredited programs [N.L.N. or C.C.N.E.] and RN’s with baccalaureate degree in non-nursing fields are considered on an individual basis.)
- Have a minimum grade point average for baccalaureate work of B (3.0) or better.
- Be registered in or eligible for nursing licensure in New Mexico with a New Mexico R.N. license obtained within the first term enrolled.
- Complete of the online application. The online application can be accessed by clicking on the link. Letters of recommendation, letter of intent, and a professional resume are required as part of the application process. See the online application guidelines for further information.
- An interview is required as part of the admissions process.
- ACLS certification is required before beginning clinical coursework.
- Students who seek admission with existing graduate degrees in Nursing (Master's or Doctorate) will be able to pursue the ACNP curriculum as a Post Master's certificate. However, their applications are considered along with all other applications.
Curriculum
Frequently Asked Questions
What does an ACNP do?
The acute care nurse practitioner is educationally prepared to provide advanced nursing care to patients with complex acute, critical and chronic health conditions, including the delivery of acute care services, The role of the ACNP is to provide advanced nursing care across the continuum of health care services to meet the specialized physiologic and psychologic needs of patients with complex acute, critical, and chronic health conditions. This care is continuous and comprehensive.
The population in acute care practice includes acutely and critically ill patients experiencing episodic illness, exacerbation of chronic illness, or terminal illness. The ACNP practices in any setting in which patient care requirements include complex monitoring and therapies, high-intensity nursing intervention, or continuous nursing vigilance within the range of high-acuity care. While most ACNPs practice in acute care and hospital based settings including sub-acute care, emergency care, and intensive care settings, the continuum of acute care services spans the geographic settings of home, ambulatory care, urgent care, and rehabilitative care." (Source: American Academy of Colleges of Nursing – ACNP Competencies)
Are there jobs for ACNPs in NM?
Yes.
Can I do the program part-time?
Students take the core and clinical core courses two or three courses per term. Once you start with the ACNP courses, arranged clinical experiences are time-intensive and geared to the needs of the clinical agencies, and there is little flexibility. Application of knowledge in clinical settings requires coordination between classroom learning and clinical time.
If I am an FNP or CNS, how can I become an ACNP?
On review of your transcripts from your master’s program, it will be determined if any graduate core courses need to be completed. To be eligible for the national certification examination, you must complete a minimum of 500 clinical hours in the acute care setting.
What does malpractice insurance for ACNPs cost?
Malpractice rates vary with the issuing companies. On graduation, ACNPs typically pay approximately $1200 per year.
Do ACNPs function independently?
The scope of practice in New Mexico is very supportive for nurse practitioners and allows them to function independently. This is not true in all states. If you are planning to practice in a state other than New Mexico, you must become familiar with that particular state’s scope of practice, which can be obtained from the state Board of Nursing.
Is this concentration offered online?
The courses are Web-based or Web-enhanced. The ACNP clinical courses are taught in block format. Students are in class for a total of six weeks over 15 months for the ACNP concentration courses.
Can I do my clinical experiences in my home town?
Yes, if appropriate clinical sites and preceptors can be arranged. Clinical experiences have been arranged at various sites around the state.
If I have a Masters of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree, how can I become an ACNP?
Students with an MSN will have already completed the core courses. They will be responsible for taking the remaining Master’s clinical core courses and the ACNP courses and completing the clinical requirements. They must have taken advanced pathophysiology and graduate pharmacology within the past 5 years. Faculty will review any advanced health assessment courses on a case-by-case basis.