Roles in Advanced Practice Nursing
NAME
Chamberlain College of Nursing
NR 500NP Foundational Concepts and Applications
DATE ROLES IN ADVANCED PRACTICE NURSING 2
Roles in Advanced Practice Nursing
There are four Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRN) roles including certified nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, certified registered nurse anesthetists, and certified nurse midwives that each play an important role in the future of health care across the nation. APRNs deliver patient clinical care, diagnose and treat diseases, provide public education for current health problems, manage chronic disease, and participate in health promotion and prevention education. A further education and a master’s degree are required adding to the primary nursing education already required for all Registered Nurses (RNs). In this paper, the four APRN roles will be discussed, why the certified nurse practitioner role was chosen by the writer, and strategies for transitioning into this role following graduation. Certified Nurse Practitioner
According to the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP 2016), “Nurse practitioners are licensed, autonomous professionals focused on managing people’s health conditions and preventing disease.” The Certified Nurse Practitioner (CNP) provides primary and acute care across various settings including pediatrics, adult-gerontological, and women’s health. Across all the specialties, CNP’s complete health histories, perform health assessments, physical examinations, and diagnose and treat patients with acute and chronic health problems. In the United States, a CNP can also prescribe medications, and order and review laboratory and imaging results. Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist The Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) provide anesthesia and related care for patients from infancy to geriatrics, and various stages of acuity, from mild, to serious illnesses and injury. CRNA’s determine the type of anesthesia required, and administer and