What process allows a nurse practitioner to be granted permission to practice in an inpatient setting?

Privileging is the process through which a nurse practitioner is granted permission to provide specific services or perform certain procedures within a healthcare organization, particularly in an inpatient setting. This process involves assessing the NP's qualifications, skills, and experience to perform those particular functions safely and effectively.

Privileging typically follows the completion of an institutional credentialing process, where the NP's education, training, experience, and current competency are verified. It is crucial for ensuring that the NP meets the organization's standards and that they can deliver quality care to patients in a hospital environment. This process is distinct from credentialing, which focuses on the verification of a provider's credentials, and licensing, which refers to the governmental approval to practice as a nurse practitioner. Certification is related to the NP's specialized knowledge and skills but does not directly grant permission to practice within a specific institution. Therefore, privileging is the correct process that supports a nurse practitioner in working within an inpatient setting.