Difference between primary and acute care nurse practitioners
The primary and acute care nurse practitioners can be differentiated on the basis of formal educational programs they enroll into. However, this educational preparation is not setting-specific and the nurse practitioners are expected to apply their scope of practice and competencies across multiple settings. More often the primary care nurse practitioner (PCNP) practices in the community settings whereas the acute care nurse practitioner (ACNP) practices in the hospitals. However, an ACNP may practice in home settings also.
Both PCNP and ACNP deliver different types of care. Owing to the comprehensive, continuous and chronic care, a long-term relationship is expected between the patient and a PCNP. In contrast, an ACNP provides care in acute and critical illnesses and are prepared to perform invasive procedures. Both PCNP and ACNP may treat patients with similar conditions but the severity and instability of presenting symptoms defines the care giver at any point of time. Overall, ACNPs focus on restorative care in rapidly changing clinical conditions and PCNPs focus on comprehensive and contiguous care for most health needs. There is a possible overlap in the role of an ACNP and PCNP in the follow-up care after stabilization of acute and critical illness.
Several certification boards offer certification exams for the nurse practitioners to specialize in either acute or primary care practice. For example, American Nursing Credentialing Center (ANCC) offers Adult-gerontology primary care (AGPCNP-BC credential) as well as Adult-gerontology acute care (AGACNP-BC credential) for the nurses.
Settings where they work
The primary care nurse practitioner (PCNP) practices in the community settings whereas the acute care nurse practitioner (ACNP) practices in the hospitals and sometimes in home settings. Particularly, ACNPs practice in the ICUs and emergency departments of the hospitals (National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties, 2011; Selway, 2012).
References
National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties. (2011). Statement on acute care and primary care nurse practitioner practice. Retrieved from www.mc.vanderbilt.edu//NPPrimaryCareAcuteCarePracticeFINAL.pdf
Selway, J. (2012). Nurse practitioners: A vital force in healthcare delivery. American Nurse Today, 7(9), 8-11.
