Advanced practice nursing (APN) is a specialized area of nursing that prepares nurses to provide high-level care to patients. APNs have a master’s degree or higher in nursing and are certified in their specialty. The four types of APNs are:
- Certified Nurse Practitioner (CNP)
- Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM)
- Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)
- Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS)
The Importance of APNs in the Healthcare System
APNs play a vital role in the healthcare system. They provide high-quality care to patients across a wide range of settings, including primary care offices, hospitals, and specialty clinics. APNs also play an important role in public health and health policy.
The Transition from RN to APN
Nurses who are interested in pursuing an APN role must first complete a master’s degree or higher in nursing from an accredited program. After completing their degree, nurses must pass a national certification exam in their chosen specialty.
Certified Nurse Practitioners (CNPs)
CNPs are the most common type of APN. They provide primary care services to patients of all ages, including diagnosing and treating illnesses, ordering tests, and prescribing medications. CNPs can work in a variety of settings, including physician offices, hospitals, and retail clinics.
Roles and responsibilities of CNPs
- Diagnose and treat illnesses
- Order tests and prescribe medications
- Provide preventive care and health education
- Manage chronic conditions
- Collaborate with other healthcare providers
Types of CNPs
- Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
- Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner (AGNP)
- Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP)
- Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)
- Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner (WHNP)
Education and training requirements for CNPs
- Master’s degree in nursing from an accredited program
- National certification in advanced practice nursing
Job outlook for CNPs
The job outlook for CNPs is excellent. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment of nurse practitioners will grow 45% from 2020 to 2030, much faster than the average for all occupations.
Certified Nurse Midwives (CNMs)
CNMs are healthcare professionals who provide care to women throughout their pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum period. They also provide gynecological care to women of all ages. CNMs can work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, birthing centers, and private practices.
Roles and responsibilities of CNMs
- Provide prenatal care and education
- Assist with labor and delivery
- Provide postpartum care
- Perform gynecological exams and procedures
- Counsel women on contraception and family planning
Education and training requirements for CNMs
- Master’s degree in nursing from an accredited midwifery program
- National certification in midwifery
Job outlook for CNMs
The job outlook for CNMs is excellent. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment of midwives will grow 32% from 2020 to 2030, much faster than the average for all occupations.
Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs)
CRNAs are healthcare professionals who administer anesthesia to patients before, during, and after surgery. They also provide pain management services to patients with chronic pain. CRNAs can work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, and dental offices.
Roles and responsibilities of CRNAs
- Administer anesthesia to patients before, during, and after surgery
- Monitor patients’ vital signs and condition during surgery
- Provide pain management services to patients with chronic pain
- Collaborate with other healthcare providers to develop and implement anesthesia care plans
Education and training requirements for CRNAs
- Master’s degree in nursing from an accredited nurse anesthesia program
- National certification in nurse anesthesia
Job outlook for CRNAs
The job outlook for CRNAs is excellent. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment of nurse anesthetists will grow 45% from 2020 to 2030, much faster than the average for all occupations.
Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNSs)
CNSs are healthcare professionals who have expertise in a specific area of nursing, such as oncology, cardiology, or mental health. CNSs work to improve the quality of care for patients by providing education, consultation, and leadership.
Roles and responsibilities of CNSs
- Provide education and consultation to nurses and other healthcare providers
- Develop and implement evidence-based practice guidelines
- Conduct research to improve patient care
- Advocate for patients and their families
Education and training requirements for CNSs
- Master’s degree in nursing from an accredited program
- National certification in advanced practice nursing
Job outlook for CNSs
The job outlook for CNSs is good. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment of nurse specialists will grow 16% from 2020 to 2030, faster than the average for all occupations.
Benefits of becoming an APN
There are many benefits to becoming an APN. APNs have the opportunity to:
- Provide high-quality care to patients
- Be leaders in the healthcare system
- Have a rewarding career
FAQs
Q: What are the challenges of becoming an APN?
A: The challenges of becoming an APN include:
- The cost of education and training
- The time commitment required to complete education and training
- The need to pass a national certification exam
Q: How do I choose an APN program?
A: When choosing an APN program, you should consider the following factors:
- The accreditation status of the program
- The faculty’s qualifications
- The program’s curriculum
- The program’s cost
Q: What is the job market like for APNs?
A: The job market for APNs is excellent. APNs are in high demand in a variety of healthcare settings.
Q: What are the salary prospects for APNs?
A: APNs earn a good salary. The median annual salary for APNs is \$115,800.
