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Roles in Advanced Practice Nursing
Student Name
Chamberlain University College of Nursing
NR 500: Foundational Concepts and Advanced Practice Roles
Elaine Briggs
March 13, 2021
, 2
Roles in Advanced Practice Nursing
Historically, the white lab coat was symbolically linked to the medical doctor, however
there are other clinicians who put on that revered attire. The Advanced Practice Nurse (APN) is
among those honored with donning that long lab coat. The APN role was originally established
to provide primary care to the pediatric population and those in medically underserved areas
(DeNisco & Barker, 2015, p. 20). APN is an umbrella term that encompasses four disciplines
including Certified Nurse Practitioner (CNP), Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM), Certified
Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA), and Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS). The clinicians who
fill these roles must make a transition from the caregiver Registered Nurse (RN) function to that
of the provider APN in order to fully utilize their advanced knowledge and skills within the
competencies of their profession.
Four APN Roles
The term Advanced Practice Nurse (APN) is generically used to describe a Registered
Nurse who has obtained a master’s degree and delivers direct patient care (DeNisco & Barker,
2015, p. 5). The four capacities found within the APN designation are the Certified Nurse
Practitioner (CNP), the Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM), the Certified Registered Nurse
Anesthetist (CRNA), and the Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS). All, with the exception of the
CNS, require passing an examination to procure licensure that allows practice beyond that of the
Registered Nurse license. All APNs are educated to at least a master’s degree level in order to be
a provider capable of handling complex medical conditions through diagnosing, providing
treatment, and prescribing medications (Winger et al., 2020, p. 205).
A Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) is the only role that does not require the provider to
take an exam after receiving their advanced education. The CNS role was initiated to fill a need
Roles in Advanced Practice Nursing
Student Name
Chamberlain University College of Nursing
NR 500: Foundational Concepts and Advanced Practice Roles
Elaine Briggs
March 13, 2021
, 2
Roles in Advanced Practice Nursing
Historically, the white lab coat was symbolically linked to the medical doctor, however
there are other clinicians who put on that revered attire. The Advanced Practice Nurse (APN) is
among those honored with donning that long lab coat. The APN role was originally established
to provide primary care to the pediatric population and those in medically underserved areas
(DeNisco & Barker, 2015, p. 20). APN is an umbrella term that encompasses four disciplines
including Certified Nurse Practitioner (CNP), Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM), Certified
Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA), and Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS). The clinicians who
fill these roles must make a transition from the caregiver Registered Nurse (RN) function to that
of the provider APN in order to fully utilize their advanced knowledge and skills within the
competencies of their profession.
Four APN Roles
The term Advanced Practice Nurse (APN) is generically used to describe a Registered
Nurse who has obtained a master’s degree and delivers direct patient care (DeNisco & Barker,
2015, p. 5). The four capacities found within the APN designation are the Certified Nurse
Practitioner (CNP), the Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM), the Certified Registered Nurse
Anesthetist (CRNA), and the Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS). All, with the exception of the
CNS, require passing an examination to procure licensure that allows practice beyond that of the
Registered Nurse license. All APNs are educated to at least a master’s degree level in order to be
a provider capable of handling complex medical conditions through diagnosing, providing
treatment, and prescribing medications (Winger et al., 2020, p. 205).
A Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) is the only role that does not require the provider to
take an exam after receiving their advanced education. The CNS role was initiated to fill a need
