Family nurse practitioners often care for older adults as they experience changes in functional health. Assessments may reveal that clients are unsafe in their current environment or that they may require additional assistance to remain at home. Carefully read the questions below and address each in your initial post. Application of Course Knowledge: Answer all questions/criteria with explanations and detail. Discuss the laws in your state related to the nurse practitioner’s (NP) role and responsibility in creating and signing advanced directives (ADs). Indicate if the NP can independently complete AD documents or a physician is required to sign or cosign the documents. Consider clients you’ve encountered in practicum (or in your practice as a registered nurse). Identify at least ONE client who may have benefited from a referral to hospice or palliative care. Indicate why this client would have benefited from these services. Describe how as an NP you might approach the conversation w
Empowering Florida Nurse Practitioners – Enhancing Access to Advanced Directives and End-of-Life Care
In Florida, nurse practitioners (NPs) have specific guidelines and responsibilities regarding creating and signing advanced directives (ADs). According to Florida law, NPs can independently complete and sign AD documents. They are recognized as qualified healthcare providers who can facilitate patient discussions about their end-of-life wishes and document these preferences in advance directives. NPs in Florida have the authority to execute ADs, including living wills and durable power of attorney for healthcare, without requiring a physician’s co-signature(Thomas, 2020; Toney-Butler & Martin, 2019; USF, n.d.). This aligns with the expanded scope of practice for NPs in many states, allowing them to provide comprehensive care to their patients, including end-of-life planning.
In my practicum experience in Mount Dora, Florida, I encountered a client who could have significantly benefited from a hospice or palliative care referral. This client was an elderly individual with multiple chronic conditions and a declining functional status. They were experiencing recurrent hospitalizations, pain, and struggling to manage their symptoms effectively. As an NP, I would approach the conversation with empathy and sensitivity. I would initiate a discussion about their goals of care, preferences for symptom management, and their understanding of their condition’s prognosis. Based on their responses, I would provide information about hospice and palliative care services, emphasizing the potential benefits of improved symptom control, enhanced comfort, and support for the client and their family.
To improve access to palliative and hospice care for vulnerable and underserved populations in our community, I would recommend increasing community education. Launching community outreach programs to educate patients, families, and healthcare providers about the benefits of palliative and hospice care can help reduce misconceptions and stigma associated with these services. Secondly, enhancing financial support. Collaborating with local organizations and policymakers to improve funding and insurance coverage for palliative and hospice care would ensure that cost is not a barrier to access for vulnerable populations. By implementing these recommendations, we can strive to ensure that all individuals, regardless of their socioeconomic status, have equitable access to quality end-of-life care in Mount Dora, Florida.
References
Thomas, K. (2020, March 24). Florida nurse practitioners gain full practice authority. Daily Nurse. https://dailynurse.com/florida-grants-advanced-nps-full-practice-authority/
Toney-Butler, T. J., & Martin, R. L. (2019, June 3). Florida Nursing Laws and Rules. Nih.gov; StatPearls Publishing. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK532859/