The scope of practice for AGACNPs can vary by state, but there are several core competencies relevant to all employed AGACNPs. According to the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN), key aspects of the acute care NP role include: Gathering patient histories Performing physical examinations and screenings Diagnosing and managing patients with acute, critical or complex illnesses/injuries Prescribing medications and advanced therapeutic intervention Ordering, performing and interpreting diagnostic studies Providing health promotion, education and counseling Collaborating with other medical professionals as a team You can find a full description of the ACNP scope of practice in the “AACN Scope and Standards for Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Practice 2017,” available through the AACN website.