For those aspiring to make a significant impact in healthcare, Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (ACNP) programs in Virginia offer a robust pathway. These advanced degree programs are designed to equip nurses with the specialized skills and knowledge necessary to manage complex health conditions in acute care settings. A key component of high-quality ACNP programs is the emphasis on evidence-based practice and scholarly activity, ensuring graduates are not only proficient clinicians but also contributors to the advancement of healthcare.
Many leading ACNP programs in VA integrate quality improvement projects into their curriculum, mentoring residents in conducting research and contributing to the field. This dedication to scholarly work is evident in the publications and presentations co-authored by NP residents from various Virginia institutions. These scholarly endeavors often address critical healthcare challenges and demonstrate the practical application of research in improving patient outcomes.
Examples of this impactful scholarly work can be seen in various publications focusing on diverse patient populations and healthcare settings. For instance, research has been conducted on improving healthcare delivery for vulnerable populations such as homeless veterans. Studies have explored topics ranging from Hepatitis C treatment and HIV prevention to addressing the digital divide in telehealth and improving suicide prevention screening. These projects not only contribute valuable insights to the healthcare community but also highlight the commitment of ACNP programs in VA to addressing real-world health issues through rigorous inquiry and quality improvement initiatives.
Graduates of acute care nurse practitioner programs in Virginia are well-prepared to lead in complex healthcare environments. The emphasis on scholarly practice within these programs ensures that they are equipped to critically evaluate evidence, contribute to the body of nursing knowledge, and ultimately deliver the highest quality of patient care. Choosing an ACNP program in VA that values and fosters scholarly activity is a crucial step for nurses aiming to become leaders and innovators in acute care.
References
Bakr, O., Gelberg, L., Seragaki, S., Youn, S., Kawamoto, J., Hoppe, M., Altman, L., Kopelson, K., May, F. P., Cowan, B., & Bhattacharya, D. (2019). Treating Hepatitis C in Homeless Veterans at the Greater Los Angeles Veterans’ Affairs Medical Center. Hepatology, 70(3), 1071–1073. https://doi.org/10.1002/hep.30643
Gregg, E., Linn, C., Nace, E., Gelberg, L., Cowan, B., & Fulcher, J. A. (2020). Implementation of HIV Preexposure Prophylaxis in a Homeless Primary Care Setting at the Veterans Affairs. Journal of Primary Care & Community Health, 11, 908370. https://doi.org/10.1177/2150132720908370
Owens, T., Ewing, D., Devera, M., Shrestha, S., Kopelson, K., Capone-Newton, P., Gelberg, L. (2021). Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic: Housing for Health in the VA Greater Los Angeles Tent Community. Annals of Family Medicine. October 29,2021. Response To The Pandemic: Housing For Health In The Va Tent Community (umich.edu)
Prince, A., Sabio, Y., Effron, L., Abromowitz, M., Reyes, L., Darnell, J., Chen, P., Ng, D., Willinger, C. Kopelson, K., Capone-Newton, P., Cowan, B., Borthwick, K., Penamon, C., Gelberg, L. (2022). Facing the Digital Divide: Increasing Video Visits Among Veterans Experiencing Homelessness. Annals of Family Medicine, 20(5), 486; https://doi.org/10.1370/afm.2861
Soh, M., Shaner, A., Gelberg, L., Kopelson, K., Stuber, M., Fessler, D., & Warde, C. (2018). Using the Humanism Pocket Tool for Patients with Challenging Behaviors. Annals of family medicine, 16(5), 467. https://doi.org/10.1370/afm.2300
Temblique, E., Foster, K., Fujimoto, J., Kopelson, K., Borthwick, K. M., & Capone-Newton, P.(2022). A 1-Year Review of a Nationally Led Intervention to Improve Suicide Prevention Screening at a Large Homeless Veterans Clinic. Federal Practitioner: For the Health Care Professionals of the Veterans Affairs, DoD, and PHS, 39(1), 12–18. https://doi.org/10.12788/fp.0215
