Advanced Practice Nurses in Ohio Community Hospitals

Critical access hospitals (CAHs) operate with marginal resources. An exploratory descriptive study found that 90% of the 31 CAHs use advanced practice nurses (APNs), with certified registered nurse anesthetists and certified nurse practitioners in the majority. Future plans involve additional APNs, including clinical nurse specialists and certified nurse midwives. Barriers consist of reimbursement issues, increasing educational and financial expectations with the doctor of nursing practice (DNP), and inconsistent scope of practice, contractual services, and salaries. Enhanced reimbursement rates and funding for DNP education are required to staff CAHs in the future.