There are many physicians who are practicing with ACNPs who can attest to their value. It is unfortunate that a few practitioners seek expanded roles that you encountered, but please do not misportray the role. It is a collaborative role with physicians. I believe that the best model for nurse practitioners is one of collaboration with physicians. The author's contention that nurses could have trouble with airway management is an argument easily applicable to physicians.
Technical skills are just a skill like any other.
They simply take basic physiology, good technique and practice to obtain competence. I work in a community hospital and a subacute care hospital nearly identical to the one described. I also see outpatients, make home visits, and see long term ventilator patients in a nursing home. There are skills I do not perform. I am often at the subacute care hospital, caring for twenty to thirty patients independently.