What Is an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN)? Practitioner Define

Practitioner define – An advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) is a nurse with expertise in the care of patients that goes beyond what is required to meet basic nursing needs. Advanced practice nurses (APRNs) who are licensed by the state and have completed an accredited program of study are eligible to be listed by their title as an APRN. They typically specialize in a field such as geriatrics, palliative medicine, mental health, or an area of clinical practice commonly referred to as geriatric nursing, pediatric advanced practice nursing, or adult acute care nursing.

Advanced practice nurses typically work under the supervision of a registered nurse who manages patients’ care on a daily basis. The APN should understand how various procedures are performed and be able to teach other nurses new techniques or revise old ones so they take less time and are safer for the patient.

It may be challenging for advanced practice nurses to get full recognition from their employers because they may not have enough direct exposure and support from physicians. Some hospitals have programs that promote collaboration between physicians and advanced practitioners; however, these programs do not necessarily translate into increased hiring opportunities for advanced practitioners beyond entry-level nursing positions at those hospitals.

What Is the Role of an Advanced Practice Nurse?

Advanced practice nurses have unique roles in the healthcare system. They may provide a continuum of care that includes assessment, education, and management of patients across the life span. They also may provide care in areas not traditionally viewed as nursing care, such as palliative care or pain management. Traditionally, advanced practice nurses have been focused on working within the healthcare system. However, advances in technology mean that advanced practice nurses are now working in a variety of environments, from hospitals and clinics to the home, where many patients now receive health care.

Advanced practice nurses may specialize in a specific area, such as geriatric care or pain management. Some work in teams with physicians to provide care for patients. When working with other healthcare professionals, advanced practice nurses may have a role in coordinating care and overseeing interdisciplinary care. Advanced practice nurses may also be employed in a variety of settings, from hospitals to home health care settings. Advanced practice nurses in these settings may have a unique role and may have opportunities to explore areas that they may not have had access to while working within a hospital setting.

What Skills Do Advanced Practice Nurses Possess?

Advanced practice nurses have skills that are common to all nurses, in addition to advanced skills specific to their role. Advanced practice nurses typically complete a minimum of a bachelor’s degree and then complete a program of education that has been approved by the American Nurses Association. Advanced practice nurses have skills in assessment, planning, implementation, evaluation, implementation, and evaluation.

Why Is Recognition for Advanced Practice Registered Nurses So Important?

Advanced practice registered nurses may not be recognized by state boards of nursing. In order for an advanced practice registered nurse to practice, they need to be recognized by their state board of nursing and also in their role as an advanced practice nurse. There are a few states that have created legislation that recognizes advanced practice registered nurses and allows them to use the title “advanced practice nurse” on state paperwork.

This is important for several reasons. First, if advanced practice registered nurses are recognized by their state boards of nursing, it means that they will be able to practice in that state. Second, it means that they will be able to be reimbursed for the services they offer. Third, it means that other nurses will have a better understanding of the role advanced practice registered nurses play in the medical field.

How to Become an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse

Advanced practice registered nurses typically pursue a degree in nursing, complete an approved specialty program of nursing education and then pass state exams that are required to become an advanced practice registered nurse. An advanced practice registered nurse can work toward becoming an APRN through various pathways. Some individuals may choose to complete an undergraduate degree in nursing and then complete a graduate program in an advanced specialty area. Others may choose to complete a postgraduate certificate program in an advanced specialty area. Some may choose to pursue a doctorate degree with a focus on advanced practice nursing.

Key Takeaway

Advanced practice nurses are nurses who provide care in areas outside of regular nursing practices. Advanced practice nurses may focus on areas such as pain management, palliative care, geriatrics, and mental health care. Advanced practice registered nurses are nurses who have completed an advanced practice nursing degree program and have passed state licensure exams. Advanced practice registered nurses may work under the direction of a physician in a health care team and have privileges at a number of different types of facilities. The role of advanced practice nurses requires nurses to have a variety of skills and knowledge that are not typically found in nursing programs.

Advanced practice nurses must assess patients, identify their needs and provide care in a timely manner. Advanced practice nurses also have the ability to plan care in advance by identifying risks and needs and determining how best to meet those needs. Advanced practice nurses also maintain a sharp focus on the needs of patients, having a clear understanding of the potential benefits and drawbacks of different treatments. Advanced practice nurses must also be able to assess the level of care required for each patient, identifying which nurses are most qualified to address each patient’s specific needs.

Nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, nurse anesthetists, and nurse midwives are all APRNs. APRNs are primary care providers who, in addition to providing preventive care, focus on offering care for chronic conditions and health issues. APRNs are at the forefront of preventive care services and are frequently the first healthcare providers to reach their patients. APRNs are often RNs and receive at least a Master’s degree in addition to their initial nursing education and license, which is required for all RNs.

APRNs Practice Specialty Roles

A certified nurse-midwife provides primary, gynecological, and reproductive health care. A certified nurse practitioner provides primary, acute, and specialty health care across the lifespan. Clinical nurse specialists provide diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing management of patients; help drive practice changes throughout the organization; and use best practices and evidence-based care to achieve the best possible patient outcomes. Certified registered nurse anesthetists provide a full range of anesthesia and pain management services.

A certified nurse-midwife provides primary, gynecological, and reproductive health care. A certified nurse practitioner provides primary, acute, and specialty health care across the lifespan. Clinical nurse specialists provide diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing management of patients; help drive practice changes throughout the organization; and use best practices and evidence-based care to achieve the best possible patient outcomes. Certified registered nurse anesthetists provide a full range of anesthesia and pain management services.

Advancing your nursing career requires a commitment to lifelong learning. That’s why the American Association of Nurse Practitioners, the College of Nursing, and the American Nurses Association have introduced an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) designation.

An APRN is a registered nurse who has earned specialized knowledge in nursing practice through additional education or clinical experience. The APRN designation empowers nurses with advanced knowledge and skills and supports their role as trusted professional who makes independent decisions based on current research, clinical best practices, and regional standard procedures.

The introduction of an APRN designation will enable nurses to advance their careers by acquiring specialized knowledge while working toward the Registered Nurse licensure endorsement.