Newswise — The American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) has published “AACN Scope and Standards for Progressive and Critical Care Nursing Practice,” a must-have resource that reflects nurses’ evolving role in an ever-changing healthcare landscape.

“AACN Scope and Standards for Progressive and Critical Care Nursing Practice” describes and measures the expected level of practice and professional performance for progressive and critical care registered nurses and articulates the contributions of progressive and critical care nursing to a patient- and family-centered healthcare system.

“Nursing care reflects an integration of knowledge, skills, abilities, experience and attitudes to meet the needs of patients and their families,” said Julie Miller, AACN clinical practice specialist. “Advances in scientific knowledge, technology development, health care reimbursement changes and issues related to an aging society all contribute to the ever-changing healthcare environment, affecting the climate in which nurses work. The challenge to nursing is to remain flexible in response to the increasingly complex needs of our patients.”

The document includes examples written by task force members to reflect the potential ways the standards could be integrated into progressive and critical care nursing practice environments. Factors contributing to an unhealthy work environment and strategies to make work environments healthier are discussed.

A must-have resource for all nurses practicing in any progressive or critical care setting, the up-to-date guide offers a practical tool for students, faculty, nurses in practice, members of the interprofessional team and other nursing colleagues.

“AACN Scope and Standards for Progressive and Critical Care Nursing Practice” can be downloaded for free on the AACN website after signing in. A print version of the 49-page booklet can be purchased for $10 for AACN members and $25 for nonmembers from AACN’s online store.

AACN also publishes scope and standards guidelines for acute care nurse practitioners and for acute care clinical nurse specialists.

About the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses: Founded in 1969 with 400 members, the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) is now the world’s largest specialty nursing organization. In 2019, AACN celebrates 50 years of acute and critical care nursing excellence, serving more than 120,000 members and over 200 chapters in the United States. The organization remains committed to its vision of creating a healthcare system driven by the needs of patients and their families in which acute and critical care nurses make their optimal contribution. During its 50th anniversary year, AACN continues to salute and celebrate all that nurses have accomplished over the last half century, while honoring their past, present and future impact on the evolution of high-acuity and critical care nursing.

American Association of Critical-Care Nurses, 101 Columbia, Aliso Viejo, CA 92656-4109;

949-362-2000; www.aacn.org; facebook.com/aacnface; twitter.com/aacnme