Sherry M Bumpus

Diagnosed and living with fibromuscular dysplasia: A qualitative inquiry.

Fibromuscular dysplasia (FMD) is a vascular disorder about which little has been known until recently. Patients with FMD may suffer from hypertension, aneurysms, or strokes, as well as symptoms associated with local artery damage. As a result of advances in vascular medicine and growing outcomes registries, we now have a better understanding of the FMD disease process and epidemiology. Nevertheless, the consequences of FMD on patients’ day-to-day experiences and mental health status are not well understood. The purpose of this study was to begin to identify and characterize the experiences of living with FMD from the perspective of the patient using qualitative inquiry. Interviews with 19 FMD patients (18 female, 1 male) were conducted, audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and content analyzed. Individuals with FMD reported a complex array of psychological, physical, emotional, social, and health care concerns, which may be underdiagnosed. Findings suggest new opportunities for enhancing patient care.

Competencies for the Nurse Practitioner Working with Adult Urology Patients.

The role of the nurse practitioner (NP) has expanded into specialty domains. This document proposes 24 competencies specific to the urology NP, which are also consistent with the recommendations of National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties (NONPF) and compliment the American Urologic Association (AUA) 2014 white paper on the incorporation of advanced practice providers in urology practices. It describes three levels of practice and experience progression for the urology NP working with adult patients, independent of specific clinical setting. These urology-specific competencies supplement and complement the core competencies and population-focused competencies of generalist nurse practitioners.