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Overview
An Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (ACNP) is a registered nurse
with a graduate degree in nursing who is prepared for advanced practice
in acute care. This practice includes using a model to provide direct
services to adult patients who are acutely or critically ill in a
variety of settings. Diagnostic reasoning, advanced therapeutic
intervention, and advanced education are key elements in the direct
provision of care by the ACNP. The ACNP also uses skills in consultation
and systems management in providing effective restorative care. The
practice of the ACNP includes independent and interdependent
decision-making and direct accountability for clinical judgment. The
scope of practice is further defined on a state and institutional level.
In addition, institutions and the team of the ACNP and physician(s)
further define guidelines for the scope of practice.
The short-term goal of care for ACNPs is to stabilize episodes of acute illness and minimize complications; the long-term goal is to restore maximum health potential while evaluating risk factors. Key elements in the role of the ACNP include integration of care across the acute illness continuum, interaction with various healthcare providers, accountability and authority for patient outcomes in different practice settings, evidence-based clinical practice, patient advocacy, clinical leadership, family assessment, and discharge planning.
Within the UNM College of Nursing structure, the ACNP
concentration is an intensive program in which
the student is
expected to complete the coursework and clinical experiences in seven
terms. During the
second year, a full-time commitment typically is
required. Financial aid is generally available. Applicants
are
encouraged to explore financial aid options and apply for financial
assistance prior to admission to the
program.
Program Objectives
At the completion of the program the ACNP will be able to:
Demonstrate knowledge in pathophysiology related to multiple body systems.
Perform complete history and physical examinations.
Order and understand the significance of results of laboratory and other diagnostic studies.
Perform selected diagnostic and/or therapeutic procedures.
Prescribe pharmacotherapeutics appropriate to the practice setting.
Monitor and evaluate the results of therapeutic interventions.
Take the ACNP certification examination jointly offered by the American Nurses’ Credentialing Center or the American Association of Critical Care Nurses.
Manage complex clients in the acute care setting.
Admission Requirements
Hold a bachelor’s degree (e.g., B.S.N.) from an accredited college or university, with an upper-division major in nursing. (Graduates from non-accredited programs [N.L.N. or C.C.N.E.] and RN’s with baccalaureate degree in non-nursing fields are considered on an individual basis.)
Have a minimum grade point average for baccalaureate work of B (3.0) or better.
Be registered in or eligible for nursing licensure in New Mexico with a New Mexico R.N. license obtained within the first term enrolled.
Complete of the online application. The online application can be accessed at http://hsc.unm.edu/consg/misc/applications.shtml. Letters of recommendation, letter of intent, and a professional resume are required as part of the application process. See the online application guidelines for further information.
An interview is required as part of the admissions process.
ACLS certification is required before beginning clinical coursework.
Students who seek admission with existing graduate
degrees in Nursing (Master's or Doctorate) will be able to pursue
the ACNP curriculum as a Post Master's certificate. However, their
applications are considered along with all other applications.
