Advanced practice nurses (APNs) play a crucial role in healthcare as primary care providers, delivering high-quality care to patients in many specialty settings. As healthcare delivery evolves and expands, the role of APNs in delivering cost-effective, patient-centered care has become increasingly important. There are several effective tactics for APN strategic positioning regarding pay equality.
One approach is to position APNs as lower-cost providers who provide better care. This can be achieved by emphasizing the benefits of their advanced education and expertise, as well as their ability to provide comprehensive care that reduces costs and improves outcomes. For example, APNs can focus on their ability to manage complex medical cases, their expertise in patient education and disease prevention, and their ability to coordinate care with other healthcare providers.
Alternatively, APNs can push for comparable worth and equal pay for the same services. This approach focuses on the value of the APN’s expertise and the services they provide, and seeks to secure equitable compensation for their work. This can be achieved through advocacy efforts aimed at policy makers, healthcare organizations, and payers, and through collaboration with other healthcare providers.
Ultimately, the most effective approach will depend on the unique circumstances and needs of each healthcare setting and the APNs working within it. APNs should engage in ongoing dialogue and collaboration with their colleagues, as well as research and analysis of the latest data and trends, to determine the most effective tactics for securing pay equality and advancing their role in healthcare.
Sources:
American Association of Nurse Practitioners. (2021). Advocacy. Retrieved from https://www.aanp.org/advocacy
American Nurses Association. (2021). Advanced Practice Nursing. Retrieved from https://www.nursingworld.org/practice-policy/advanced-practice-nursing/