What are the additional competencies for the advanced practice registered nurse under Standard 14 (Quality of Practice)?

Under Standard 14, the additional competencies for the advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) are: engage in comparison evaluations of the effectiveness and efficacy of diagnostic tests, clinical procedures, therapies, and treatment plans with healthcare consumers to optimize quality; design quality improvement studies, research, initiatives, and programs to improve health outcomes in diverse settings; apply advanced preparation and current evidence-based information to clinical decision-making at the point of care; and use available benchmarks to evaluate practice at individual, departmental, or organizational levels.

For APRNs, Standard 14 adds four competencies beyond those for registered nurses and graduate-level prepared nurses. First, the APRN compares the effectiveness and efficacy of diagnostic tests, clinical procedures, therapies, and treatment plans, doing so in partnership with healthcare consumers to optimize both health and healthcare quality. Second, the APRN designs quality improvement studies, research, initiatives, and programs aimed at improving health outcomes in diverse settings. Third, the APRN applies knowledge gained from advanced preparation, along with current research and evidence-based information, to clinical decision-making at the point of care, with the goal of achieving optimal health outcomes. Fourth, the APRN uses available benchmarks as a means of evaluating practice at the individual, departmental, or organizational level.