Practitioner: Advanced Practice Registered Nurses

Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) are licensed nurses with post-graduate education and training in nursing. They provide primary and/or specialty nursing and medical care in ambulatory, acute and long-term care settings. APRNs may practice autonomously and/or in coordination with health care professionals and other individuals. Masters, post-masters or doctoral preparation and national board certification is required for entry-level practice.

There are four types of APRNs. These include: nurse practitioners, certified nurse midwives, certified registered nurse anesthetists and clinical nurse specialists.

• Nurse practitioners (NPs) are registered nurses with specialized, advanced education and clinical practice competency to provide health care for diverse populations in a variety of primary care, acute and long-term care settings.
• Certified nurse midwives (CNMs), also referred to as nurse midwives, specialize in the provision of care during pregnancy, childbirth and the postpartum period; sexual and reproductive health; gynecologic health; and family planning services, including preconception care.
• Certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs) administer anesthesia and anesthesia-related care to manage patients' pain before, during and after procedures and surgeries.
• Clinical nurse specialists (CNSs) diagnose and treat acute or chronic illness in specific populations with an emphasis on specialist care for at-risk patients and populations.