Advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) are essential to the health system. Advanced nursing practice is a field of nursing that expands the limits of practice, furthers nursing knowledge and advances the profession. These professionals have independence and versatility at work and can be leaders to other nursing staff. Nurses with advanced practice roles have completed a master’s or doctorate in a specific specialty area of nursing, allowing them to attain high-level professional positions.
APRNs use their knowledge and skills to provide healthcare services independently with minimal or no doctor supervision. Some of their work includes assessing patients, prescribing medication, diagnosing, and ordering tests. They also work to improve treatment plans and patient care in the clinical setting. Through advanced education and clinical training, APRNs are prepared to deliver a broad range of preventive and acute healthcare services to people of all ages.
There are specializations within clinical nursing doctorate programs, including nurse practitioners in family, midwifery, neonatal, pediatric and adult-gerontology. Graduates work at a higher level of nursing care with various practice setting options. The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) offers the highest practical expertise and scientific knowledge for quality patient outcomes. Advanced practice nursing offers job stability, greater specialization, enhanced leadership opportunities, more independence and increased pay.
Nurses who want to advance their careers to have the highest-level expertise can enroll on the Baylor University doctorate of nursing leadership online program. Students can continue working in their current roles while learning leadership skills and developing advanced business competence, which can be used to transform healthcare systems.
There is a shortage of physicians and the older population is growing, so APRNs will play a more significant role in primary and acute care, particularly in underserved areas. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 40% increase in the employment of APRNs between 2021 and 2031, much faster than the average for all occupations. About 30,200 new positions are projected each year, on average, over the decade.
Advanced qualifications
Nurses can further their careers by studying for advanced qualifications. Further study can bring more opportunities, such as leadership and specialist roles. With increased knowledge and skills, highly qualified nurses are equipped to implement effective treatments and make accurate assessments. Providing quality clinical care and positively impacting patients can be a source of satisfaction for nursing staff. Studying at this level takes commitment and dedication, but the availability of online study means that courses are more accessible for people who work. Advanced qualifications, such as the DNP, can lead to high-level careers and the chance to excel in nursing.
Nurse midwife (NM)
An NM is an APRN who concentrates on women and giving birth. They work with other healthcare professionals, such as nurses and doctors, to provide comprehensive patient care. NMs make prenatal visits, prepare women for birthing, attend birth and provide post-natal care. They perform health screenings and tests. They train and educate parents on breastfeeding and infant care. They also treat gynecological disorders, such as infertility and sexually transmitted diseases.
They can work independently, delivering care and decision-making without supervision. During the birth, NMs support the mother and baby, help with pain management, evaluate progress, perform episiotomies if required, and deliver the baby and placenta. NMs encourage good health in pregnancy and birth and increase access to reproductive health services. They advocate for women and educate women so that they can make well-informed decisions about their health.
Family nurse practitioner (FNP)
An FNP is an APRN who offers numerous family healthcare services to patients of all ages. FNPs prescribe medications, perform physical exams, develop treatment plans, maintain patient records, treat chronic and acute illnesses, and order or perform diagnostic tests. FNPs work in various healthcare settings, including healthcare systems, private practice, community health centers and universities. FNPs have a wide range of practices, from treating serious illnesses to educating patients on preventive measures. They also gain further certification in areas such as obesity, diabetes and pain management. They have a comprehensive understanding of health in the community, and this knowledge can be invaluable to other healthcare professionals.
Neonatal nurse practitioner (NNP)
NNPs provide advanced care to ill and premature newborns and work in intensive care neonatal units. The NNP’s role is to care for infants at risk who need treatment due to infections, low birth weights, heart abnormalities, prematurity and more. Some NNPs care for children with long-standing conditions until they are two years old. NNPs also educate and support families with infants at risk. NNPs work in delivery rooms, emergency rooms and outpatient clinics that offer check-up care to infants.
Pediatric nurse practitioner (PNP)
A PNP is an APRN who provides care for the young population, ranging from newborns to young adults. PNPs focus on child health, preventing pediatric acute illnesses and managing chronic conditions. PNPs have pediatric-specific medical knowledge that equips them to diagnose illnesses, recognize signs of disease, and then administer the correct treatment. PNPs communicate with children and their parents. They educate parents on preventive care to keep children healthy. PNPs work in various practice settings such as hospitals, pediatric offices, school-based health centers, specialty clinics and care clinics.
Adult-gerontology nurse practitioner (AGNP)
AGNPs assess, diagnose and plan for the health requirements of adults, ranging from young adults to seniors. They manage chronic health conditions such as diabetes, respiratory illnesses and hypertension. They promote health in the community and work with a culturally diverse population. AGNPs typically work in hospital clinics, private practices and long-term care settings. They obtain medical histories, perform physical examinations, interpret test results and order screening tests. They may also educate patients and caregivers, oversee transitions between care settings, and evaluate caregivers. AGNPs consider the social, economic and occupational backgrounds of patients.
Conclusion
Advanced practice nursing includes working in specialist and leadership positions. Gaining a prestigious qualification, such as a DNP, enables the delivery of high-quality clinical care and the application of knowledge in various occupations within healthcare. APRNs work in interesting and worthwhile jobs and are in demand by healthcare organizations. They positively affect patient care and make a valuable contribution to the health system.
