Registered Nurses as Interprofessional Collaborative Partners: Creating Value-Based Outcomes

Abstract

State-specific nurse practice acts, a defined registered nurse (RN) scope of practice, and nurse-led initiatives prepare nurses to lead in a meaningful and ethical way within the professional practice setting. However, barriers still exist that challenge the full RN scope of practice. One of these barriers is insufficient interprofessional collaboration among healthcare providers from multiple disciplines. We will briefly discuss the RN scope of practice and describe several evidence-based transition to practice programs and activities that are effectively helping to minimize these barriers. The article will also consider opportunities for interprofessional collaboration for RNs to implement evidence-based programs to support transition to practice, create interprofessional collaborative environments, and care for patients in a culturally competent way to minimize healthcare disparities. We conclude by offering recommendations to enhance interprofessional collaboration.