Credentialing is the processes used to check that an APN has met established standards set by a third party with authoritative power (non-governmental or governmental). This is the highest level of proof that shows that an individual is competent and it supports their educational and professional qualification. A credential is a mark of quality and achievement that demonstrates to the public what they should expect from the credentialed APN. Certification is the process of an association or agency certifying that a licensed APN has met certain established standards specified by that profession for specialty practice. Certificates are used to assure the community, employer and public that one has acquired knowledge and skills in a particular specialty (Nursing World, n.d). Certification is a credential that an APN can get in addition to their qualifying education.
Clinical Privileging is a process that gives permission to a provider to perform specific patient and medical care services within limits set by the agency. Credentialing is based on a medical practitioner’s scope of (AAFP, n.d.). Clinical privileges are often given after credentialing.
Delegate your assignment to our experts and they will do the rest.
Certification, credentialing and clinical privileging and are essential in enhancing and ensuring patient care and safety. These are aimed at ensuring that a practitioner is qualified in his or her area and has the prerequisite competency. Healthcare institutions carry the brunt of ensuring patient safety. It is important for these institutions to employ an excellent medical staff. Healthcare institutions must validate competency of healthcare providers by ensuring they meet the credentialing and privileging requirements. Credentialing is a vital process that should be performed to ensure that the healthcare workers are qualified to provide clinical services. Credentialing demonstrates proper education, certification and competency, it should be done regularly to check health workers performance. Once that process of credentialing is complete it will be easier for the healthcare institutions to grant privileges according to the workers education, training and experience (Patel & Sharma, 2019). Certification is an indicator of competency and it is important for healthcare staff to acquire different certifications as they result in various advantages. There is greater confidence in practice, more confidence in decision making and less events and errors in patient care (Ballard, 2003). All the three are important for patient safety because they ensure that an individual is following set guidelines and performing tasks that they are capable of. This will directly impact the patient because correct care and services will be provided which will guarantee patient safety.
References
AAFP. (n.d.). Hospital Credentialing and Privileging FAQs . https://www.aafp.org/family-physician/practice-and-career/managing-your-career/scope-of-practice/privileging-and-credentialing/faq.html
Ballard. A. K. (2003, September 3). Patient safety: A shared responsibility. The Online Journal of Issues in Nursing, 8. https://ojin.nursingworld.org/MainMenuCategories/ANAMarketplace/ANAPeriodicals/OJIN/TableofContents/Volume82003/No3Sept2003/PatientSafety.html
Nursing World. (n.d.). Credentialing Definitions . https://www.nursingworld.org/education-events/faculty-resources/research-grants/styles-credentialing-research-grants/credentialing-definitions/
Patel, R. & Sharma, S. (2019, September 11). Credentialing. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK519504/#_article-20108_s4_
