Core competencies required for the cardiac surgical nurse practitioner.

PURPOSE

To propose a set of core competencies for the cardiac surgery nurse practitioner (CSNP).

DATA SOURCES

Research, review articles, standards of practice, hospital practice guidelines.

CONCLUSION

Although there have been preliminary studies that demonstrate the effectiveness and cost savings associated with the use of a CSNP, specific competencies have yet to be defined. The CSNP provides direct patient care and functions simultaneously as part of an interdisciplinary team. The CSNP cares for the patient from preadmission until postdischarge. The CSNP facilitates the transfer of information along the transitions of care that is vital to positive patient outcomes.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

Changes in health care have forced providers to find ways to decrease the cost of services while maintaining high-quality, efficient care for their patients. In addition, there is a rising acuity of the patient population admitted for cardiac surgery. The continued development of the role of the CSNP and evidence that supports the cost savings and improved patient outcomes that result from the use of CSNPs will encourage more and more cardiac surgery programs to use CSNPs along the continuum of care.