Many states put limitations on Certified Nurse Practitioners (CNPs), meaning they do not have the full authority to care for patients. For instance, states with restricted practice authority prevent CNPs from participating in one or more elements of Nurse Practitioner (NP) practice. Additionally, CNPs must be supervised throughout their careers in such states.
Then, states with reduced practice authority don’t fully prevent but place limits on at least one element in the scope of practice. CNPs that work in these states must enter into collaborative agreements that last throughout their careers.
Finally, states full practice authority do not put limits on CNPs. CNPs in these states can handle all aspects of patient care, including:
- Evaluating.
- Diagnosing.
- Ordering and interpreting tests.
- Initiating treatments.
- Managing treatments.
- Prescribing controlled substances and other medications.
Additionally, they can work without career-long supervision or collaborative agreements in place.
Fortunately, Rhode Island provides CNPs with full practice authority. Full practice authority improves access to patient care and makes the healthcare system more efficient. It also reduces healthcare costs while increasing job satisfaction. Thus, CNPs are often happy working in Rhode Island. They enjoy professional autonomy and can work without interference.
If you would like to join the workforce as a CNP, take steps to get started today. Begin by obtaining your RN license, and then complete a master’s program in your focus area. Once completed, you can finalize the process to begin working as a CNP.