This has far-reaching implications for ACNPs, specifically in forming their practice boundaries. The ACNPs' role descriptions reveal a collaborative rather than subordinate relationship with physicians. Participants describe a role with increased visibility, value, power, and prestige. They address their need to be heard and the importance of their nursing background. For example, ACNPs in the study express their need for clinical expertise to achieve clinical competency in practice.
Participants suggest a critical care nursing experience prerequisite.
Practice is based on their experience and personal values. The power to define and establish practice boundaries is within their reach. Taking a traditional practice alternative The ACNPs acknowledge that they're nurses practicing within a medical practice model. They don't view themselves as physician substitutes nor do they want to be viewed as such. They blend nursing and medicine by taking a holistic patient management approach while using a medical treatment protocol.