Reports of role descriptions of acute care nurse practitioners.

Expanded roles and practice settings are evolving for the Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (ACNP). In this study, the ACNP's role is described by 384 people seeking certification. Although ACNPs continue to work predominantly in tertiary care centers, ACNP roles in secondary and other facilities have emerged. Acute care nurse practitioners report that managing patient care; providing care consistency; interacting with family members; planning for patient discharge; and teaching the patient, family, and other members of the health care team are major focuses of the role. Changes in health care will continue to give rise to new and innovative settings for ACNP practice. Communication about the ACNP remains essential to gaining acceptance of the role and enabling its expansion.