Utilization-focused evaluation of acute care nurse practitioner role.

Abstract

Using nurse practitioners in acute care is a relatively new phenomenon with little existing data on related expectations and effectiveness. This article describes one organization's program evaluation of the Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) role. It includes a conceptual model as well as pragmatic data on: perception of the performance of agreed-upon role expectations, influence on targeted aspects of care, retention of a focus on nursing, and factors facilitating or hindering APRN effectiveness.