Hello all. I am just beginning my journey in nursing in Texas. I am actually just now enrolling in pre-nursing courses for my BSN (I have a BBA). So, I know it may seem I am ahead of my self, but I'm trying to loosely map a course, so I can be sure I will get where I intend. For now, my plan is to obtain my BSN/RN, and almost immediately start on my Family Nurse Practitioner. I know there are multiple specialties and population focuses available for Advance practice, and I want to make the right choice. I have read the Texas administrative code Title 22 Part 11, and the Nursing practice act. I have searched the Texas BON, and read their FAQ's, and even emailed them. I have worn google out, and I can not find a concise definition for scope of practice between the different areas of advance practice. Can some one point me in the right direction?
While not the scope of the practice, you can look at the test outlines for the national certification examinations. This will give you an idea what is expected of the NP in the particular specialty. ANCC, AANP, NCC, PCNB and AACN Certification Corporation all offer certification exams for NPs. The test outlines are all based on task analyses that survey NPs in the field for what they do based on frequency and criticality of the knowledge or skill. Some state boards use the knowledge and core competencies that are tested on the certification exams as the basis for the scope of practice.
That's an idea. I looked into the PA option a bit more. Many fewer schools, cost is a good bit higher, and all Face to Face. At least what I was able to find in Texas. The only upside is that after a few prerequisite's the PA programs are about 30 months compare to 15 months to BSN/RN, then another 30-36 months to NP. But, the nursing path can be done largely online didactic, allowing me to work my way through. I just can't find a significant upside on the PA option.
bethab10
4 Posts
While not the scope of the practice, you can look at the test outlines for the national certification examinations. This will give you an idea what is expected of the NP in the particular specialty. ANCC, AANP, NCC, PCNB and AACN Certification Corporation all offer certification exams for NPs. The test outlines are all based on task analyses that survey NPs in the field for what they do based on frequency and criticality of the knowledge or skill. Some state boards use the knowledge and core competencies that are tested on the certification exams as the basis for the scope of practice.