The American Academy of Ambulatory Care Nursing (AAACN) occasionally develops position statements and papers to advocate for an issue important to ambulatory care nursing.

A position statement:

  • Describes one side of an arguable viewpoint.
  • Provides the background and rationale to support a particular viewpoint.
  • Makes the organization’s stand on the viewpoint clear to the audience.

A position paper may accompany a position statement to provide in-depth evidence supporting the viewpoint and stance of the organization.

Position Statement on Workplace Violence, Incivility, and Bullying in Ambulatory Care

Created September 2023

Workplace violence toward nurses is an increasingly prevalent issue. The occurrence of violence toward healthcare workers is higher than in most professions and has only increased throughout the Covid-19 pandemic.

According to the American Nurses Association, one in four nurses is assaulted on the job. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that healthcare workers and those who work in social services are five times more likely to experience workplace violence than other workers.

This position statement describes the vast impact of workplace violence on ambulatory care nurses and the critical role nurses must play in advocating for its prevention and lays out the basic tools and actions needed in preventing an event, during and after an event, and in influencing a culture of safety within an organization.

AAACN is committed to creating workplaces that are free from workplace violence, incivility, bullying, discrimination, and harassment to end workplace abuse and promote healthy work environments

Read the complete statement

Position Statement on the Role of the Registered Nurse in Ambulatory Care Nursing

Updated 2023

In the dynamic landscape of healthcare, the role of the Registered Nurse (RN) in ambulatory care is emerging as a vital cornerstone of patient-centered, accessible, and efficient healthcare delivery.

The Role of the RN in Ambulatory Care Nursing Position Statement offers a comprehensive depiction of the ambulatory care RN's function for its members, associated stakeholders, and healthcare industry partners. It clarifies the role, the additional value it brings, and the benefits it offers in terms of patient outcomes, both through independent and collaborative nursing practice in the ambulatory care environment.

This updated position statement provides a concise yet meticulously evidence-based overview of the ambulatory care RN's responsibilities, with the aim of inspiring recognition and appreciation for the role and scope of these nursing professionals.

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Position Paper on the Role of the Registered Nurse in Ambulatory Care Nursing

Updated 1/2024

In the dynamic landscape of healthcare, the role of the RN in ambulatory care is emerging as a vital cornerstone of patient-centered, accessible, and efficient healthcare delivery.  The updated Role of the RN in Ambulatory Care Position Paper is a valuable resource set to empower and elevate your role in ambulatory care nursing.

This comprehensive paper provides an insightful analysis of the current state of nursing preparation for the role of ambulatory care RNs, covering crucial aspects such as clinical practice, education, leadership, and research. Delving into both the challenges and potential solutions, the document acts as a beacon for the future of ambulatory care nursing, calling for action from the nursing profession, ambulatory care nurses, and organizations that employ them.

This paper holds immense value for nursing professionals, clinicians, educators, leaders, researchers, and interdisciplinary health care professionals. By offering increased clarity and a strategic vision, it guides you to practice fully within your scope while holding others accountable for non-nursing activities. In essence, it empowers you to shape the future of ambulatory care nursing practice.

By arming yourself with the insights and knowledge encapsulated in this updated paper, you position yourself at the forefront of ambulatory care nursing, driving positive change in your practice and contributing to value-based optimal health outcomes.

Use these Talking Points to help you advocate for the RN role.

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AAACN/AONE Joint Statement

The Role of the Nurse Leader in Care Coordination and Transition Management across the Health Care Continuum

AAACN and the American Organization of Nurse Executives (AONE) convened in early 2015 for a Day of Dialogue to discuss the role of the nurse leader in Care Coordination and Transition Management (CCTM) across the Care Continuum.

The group, comprised of nurse leaders in acute care and ambulatory care/outpatient settings, and nurse researchers, discussed what is needed to improve patient care coordination and transition management throughout the health care system (acute to outpatient settings and vice versa) and how nurses are well positioned to coordinate and deliver these services to patients.

Through a series of facilitated dialogue, the group developed a joint statement that outlines the strategies needed to enhance care coordination and transition management of patients across the health care continuum.

Read the complete statement