An Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) is a nurse who has earned a graduate-level degree such as a Master’s of Science in Nursing (MSN) or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). APRNs also are nurses who have received trained in one of the four recognized APRN roles, including certified nurse-midwife (CNM), certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA), clinical nurse specialist (CNS), and nurse practitioner (NP). To enter any of the APRN roles, students must complete a graduate-level program and must hold an active RN license.
Certified nurse-midwife is a type of RN that specializes in childbirth and performs a host of women’s health medical services. Certified registered nurse anesthetist is a type of RN that administers anesthesia for patients undergoing surgery or other medical procedures while ensuring patient safety. Moreover, clinical nurse specialist are RN who provides leadership and high-level clinical expertise in a specialty area of medicine, including community health or geriatrics. Lastly, nurse practitioners provides advanced, comprehensive care to patients.
One of the roles of APRNs is providing preventive care services to the public. Moreover, APRNs treat and diagnose illnesses, advise the public on health issues, manage chronic disease, and engage in continuous education. Nurse Practitioners have a responsibility to provide primary, acute, and specialty health care across the lifespan. They do this through assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of illnesses and injuries. Certified Nurse-Midwives provide primary, gynecological, and reproductive health care. Clinical Nurse Specialists provide diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing management of patient.
Moreover, they provide expertise and support to nurses caring for patients. Besides, APRNs help drive practice changes throughout the organization. More so, the role of APRNs in ensuring use of 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.