Advanced practice registered nurses (APRN)

Advanced practice registered nurses (APRN) play a crucial role within the United States healthcare system . These highly trained professionals, who have completed education at the Masters or post-Masters level, specialize in specific roles and patient populations. APRNs possess the expertise and certification necessary to assess, diagnose, and treat patient ailments, as well as to prescribe medications and order tests.

There are several types of APRN

Certified Nurse Practitioner (CNP): Certified Nurse Practitioners are educated and skilled to deliver advanced care across various settings and within six distinct patient populations. Their responsibilities encompass health promotion, disease prevention, patient education, and the diagnosis and management of both acute and chronic illnesses. CNPs provide comprehensive care to patients in areas such as family practice, pediatrics, geriatrics, mental health, and women’s health. Depending on their specialization, CNPs may function as primary care or acute care nurse practitioners, each requiring specific national competencies and certifications.

Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS)

Clinical Nurse Specialists are trained at an advanced level to care for patients within the aforementioned six populations and throughout the entire continuum of care. Their role extends beyond individual patient care to include influencing nursing practice, organizational systems, and healthcare policies. CNSs are tasked with diagnosing and treating health conditions, managing diseases, promoting health, and preventing illnesses and risky behaviors among individuals, families, groups, and communities.

Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)

Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists are equipped to administer anesthesia and related care to patients across all age groups and health statuses, including those with critical medical conditions or injuries. Their services are essential in various settings, particularly in hospital surgical suites, where they ensure safe and effective anesthesia administration during procedures.

Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM)

Certified Nurse-Midwives offer comprehensive primary healthcare services to women across their lifespan, encompassing gynecological care, family planning, prenatal and postpartum care, childbirth, and newborn care. They also provide reproductive health services to male partners of their female clients. CNMs practice in diverse environments, including hospitals, birthing centers, homes, and various outpatient settings like private offices and community clinics.

What does it take to become an APRN

The qualifications for becoming an APRN typically include:

Education

APRNs must hold a graduate degree from an accredited nursing program. This usually means completing a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree. Some APRN roles may require specific educational tracks, such as nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist, nurse anesthetist, or nurse midwife.

Registered Nurse (RN) License

Before pursuing advanced practice roles, individuals must first become licensed as registered nurses. This typically involves completing a nursing program and passing the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN).

Certification

APRNs are often required to obtain certification in their specialized area of practice. Certification requirements vary depending on the APRN role and may be obtained through organizations such as the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board (AANPCB), the National Certification Corporation (NCC), or the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists (AANA).

Clinical Hours

Many APRN programs require a certain number of clinical practice hours to graduate. These hours provide hands-on experience and help students develop the skills necessary for advanced practice.

State Licensure

In addition to RN licensure, APRNs must also obtain licensure in their state of practice. Licensure requirements vary by state but often include holding a graduate degree from an accredited program, passing a national certification exam, and meeting other state-specific requirements.

Continuing Education

Once licensed and certified, APRNs must typically participate in continuing education activities to maintain their licensure and certification. This ensures that they stay up-to-date on the latest developments in their field and continue to provide high-quality care.