Scope of Practice & Standards : According to the American nurse assocication it states " Each state independently determines the APRN's legal scope of practice". The scope is not setting specific but based on the patient needs. Acoording to American association of nurse practitioners the professional scope is that "Nurse practitioners (NPs) practice in nearly every health care setting, including clinics, hospitals, Veterans Affairs and Indian Health Care facilities, emergency rooms, urgent care sites, private physician or NP practices (both managed and owned by NPs), nursing homes, schools, colleges, retail clinics, public health departments, nurse-managed clinics, homeless clinics and home health. NP practice includes, but is not limited to, assessment; ordering, performing, supervising and interpreting diagnostic and laboratory tests; making diagnoses; initiating and managing treatment, including prescribing medication and non-pharmacologic treatments; coordinating care; counseling; and educating patients, their families and communities". (AANP, 2022).It is the standard that Nurse practitioners maintain their role, education, and accountability and responisibility to society and the advances in health care science as things are always evolving. It is expected that NP's remain adaptable to changes in healthcare.

Where Do I fit into the continuum? Based on the algorithm that was created to help advanced practice nurses make decisions on the type of patient they would like to manage and care for, I found my focus. Starting from the top of the algorithm I know I would like to care for Adolecents, adults, and elderly. Then I said no to gerontology specifically because I know from experience that is not the focus I am working toward but I would like to work toward prevantative care and sexual/reproductive issuse along with caring for women during labor and birth. Once I made my way to the bottom of the algorithm I have two options which are WHNP or CNM. I chose WHNP because it gives my the opportunity to work more toward primary care/ prevention. I believe if i decide to change my path I can always get certified in midwifery. The future goals i have set for myself can be achieved with the WHNP degree.

Can Nurse Practitcioners prescribe medicine/ narcotics? (Yes)