What is one of the core competencies of practice in advanced nursing?

Direct care is a fundamental core competency in advanced nursing practice. This involves providing comprehensive, evidence-based care to patients, which includes assessment, diagnosis, and management of patient conditions. Advanced practice nurses, such as nurse practitioners and clinical nurse specialists, are specifically trained to perform these roles effectively.

The ability to deliver direct care allows nurses to assess physical, mental, and emotional health, coordinate care among various providers, and ensure that patients receive optimal treatment. This competency is essential not only for individual patient outcomes but also for the overall efficiency and effectiveness of healthcare systems.

In contrast, while research administration, community outreach, and billing and coding are important aspects of healthcare, they do not encompass the primary focus of advanced nursing practice. These areas support nursing and healthcare delivery but are secondary to the core responsibility of providing direct patient care.