APN

APN or Advanced Practice Nurse is a term used to describe a nurse who has obtained a graduate-level education, such as a Master's degree or a Doctorate in Nursing. APNs are prepared to assume responsibility and accountability for health promotion, illness prevention, and management of health and illness needs in complex healthcare systems.

Etymology

The term "Advanced Practice Nurse" is derived from the words "advanced" and "practice", indicating a higher level of nursing practice that is achieved through advanced education and training.

Roles of an APN

APNs can serve in four different roles:

• Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS): A CNS is an expert in a specific area of nursing practice and in the delivery of evidence-based nursing interventions.
• Nurse Practitioner (NP): NPs provide primary, acute, and specialty healthcare services, similar to those provided by doctors.
• Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM): CNMs provide care and treatment to women, including prenatal care, gynecological exams, labor and delivery care, and neonatal care.
• Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA): CRNAs provide anesthesia services under the supervision of an anesthesiologist.

Education and Training

APNs must first complete a Bachelor's degree in Nursing (BSN) and pass the NCLEX-RN exam to become a Registered Nurse (RN). They then need to complete a Master's degree or Doctorate in Nursing. The advanced degree program includes both classroom education and clinical experience.

Regulation

The regulation of APNs varies by state. Some states require APNs to work under the supervision of a physician, while others allow APNs to practice independently. All states require APNs to be licensed and certified.

See Also

• Nursing
• Nurse Practitioner
• Clinical Nurse Specialist
• Certified Nurse Midwife
• Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist

APN Resources
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