Credentialing, certification, and competence: Issues for new and seasoned nurse practitioners.

As new nurse practitioner (NP) graduates enter the workforce, they are faced with the sometimes confusing issues related to establishing credibility in their first job as an advanced practice nurse (APN). Establishing this credibility incorporates not only graduating from an accredited NP program but also dealing with the concepts of certification, licensure, or authorization to practice, and the issue of credentialing and privileging. Even seasoned NPs are facing some of these issues for the first time in their careers as the complex areas of competence, scope of practice, and regulation continue to evolve. This article will provide a brief overview of each of these concepts, which are especially important for the new APN graduate; describe some of the misconceptions that cause problems for APNs; identify the current questions on regulation of APNs being debated; and outline some of the proactive steps that can be taken to stay ahead of the curve.