APRn

Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) refers to a registered nurse who has completed graduate-level education and clinical training to deliver high-level nursing care. APRNs provide direct patient care, perform comprehensive assessments, diagnose conditions, develop and manage treatment plans, order and interpret tests, and, in many jurisdictions, prescribe medications. The APRN category encompasses four core roles: nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist, nurse anesthetist, and nurse-midwife.

Education and certification: APRNs hold a master's degree or doctoral degree in nursing and have completed an approved certification program. They must pass a national certification examination in their population focus and role, and maintain certification through ongoing education and re-certification. Licensure as an APRN is granted by state boards of nursing or equivalent authorities and may be accompanied by prescriptive authority, which is subject to state law.

Scope of practice: The authority and independence of APRNs vary by country and by state or province. In some places, APRNs practice independently with full prescriptive authority; in others, they may require physician collaboration or supervision. Regulatory frameworks determine reimbursement, scope of practice, and requirements for continuing education.

Practice settings and impact: APRNs work in hospitals, primary care clinics, specialty clinics, long-term care, schools, and community settings. They play a key role in expanding access to care, managing chronic diseases, and providing specialized services such as anesthesia and midwifery. The field is supported by professional organizations and ongoing research into education, patient outcomes, and safety.

History: The APRN model emerged in the United States in the 1960s to address physician shortages and improve access to care and has since spread to other countries with varying levels of autonomy and education standards.