Are you working in the nursing field but interested in taking on more of an advanced leadership role? Becoming an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) might be the right step for you. These nursing professionals not only tend to enjoy a greater sense of autonomy in their work and often have the responsibility for overseeing groups of nurses or entire nursing departments.
With a better understanding of what advanced practice registered nursing entails and the requirements for working in this type of role, you may better determine whether this line of work is suited to your interests and professional goals.
Defining the Role of an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN)?
An APRN (sometimes referred to as APN) is a nursing professional who has received either a master’s degree or doctoral degree in the field. These individuals often go on to work in such roles as clinical nurse specialist, nurse anesthetist, nurse practitioner, and beyond. To further define what an advanced practice registered nurse is, APRNs tend to have a greater sense of autonomy in the workplace compared to a more traditional role as an RN as well as more responsibilities when it comes to caring for and treating patients directly.
The Evolution of the APRN Role
According to the National Library of Medicine, the APRN role has existed for more than 50 years. However, its scope has changed and evolved rather significantly over time as the needs of patients and populations have also changed. While the scope of practice varies by state, some states grant APRNs considerable autonomy in patient care and treatment.
Key Competencies and Skills of an APRN
The specific skills required of an APRN vary depending on the exact role or job title, but some of the most essential hard skills and core competencies of an APRN include:
- Strong leadership and managerial skills
- Solid communication and collaboration skills
- The ability to problem-solve and think critically
- Adaptability and versatility (especially under pressure)
- A strong sense of compassion and empathy for others
- Clinical expertise in relevant areas of specialization, which may include midwifery or anesthesia
- Excellent organization and time management skills
Educational Pathways to Becoming an APRN
If you are interested in becoming an APRN, you may be wondering where to begin. Your starting point ultimately depends on your current level of education and nursing experience. However, it should be made clear that to become an APRN, you need a bachelor’s degree in nursing and an RN license. Many graduate programs also require a certain amount of clinical experience.
Undergraduate Foundations
Before you may enroll in an advanced degree program as required to become an APRN, you must hold a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in nursing in addition to an RN license. Some graduate schools in nursing also require that you have a certain number of years of experience working as an RN before you can be accepted into a degree program, but this may vary from one school and one program to the next.
Graduate-Level Requirements
Once you have your RN license and have met all requirements to enter graduate school, you need to complete an advanced degree program specific to your desired APRN role. This typically includes a master of science in nursing (MSN) or a doctor of nursing practice (DNP) program, depending on your career and academic goals. Most MSN programs can be completed within two to three years, depending on your enrollment status (part-time or full-time), while DNP programs may take three to four years to complete. It is important to choose a program that aligns with the certification requirements for your chosen APRN specialty, whether it be Nurse Practitioner, Clinical Nurse Specialist, Nurse Anesthetist, or Nurse Midwife. If your MSN did not have an APRN focus, some institutions offer a graduate certificate to fulfill educational requirements for licensure.
Specializations Within APRN Programs
APRN programs offer specializations that align with specific advanced practice roles and population focus. Common APRN specializations you may want to consider depending on your interests include:
- Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
- Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner (AGNP)
- Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP)
- Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (NNP)
- Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)
- Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS)
- Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM)
- Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)
These specializations allow you to focus on a particular patient population or type of care, enhancing your expertise and career opportunities in that area.
Certification and Licensure for APRNs
Along with completing an advanced degree program, you must get certified and licensed before you begin practicing as an APRN.
National Certification Exams
You need to take a national certification exam for APRNs. There are a few different options here, and the exam you need to take will depend on what you plan to do with your degree. For example, if you are planning to work as a certified nurse midwife, then you must take and pass the American Midwifery Certification Board (AMCB) national exam.
State Licensure Processes
As a practicing APRN, you will need to obtain a license for the state in which you intend to work. The process for obtaining your license varies by state; however, in most places, you need to show proof of your current RN license as well as proof that you completed your advanced degree program from an accredited institution and passed your national certification exam. Additionally, you may need to fulfill specific state requirements, such as background checks or additional coursework.
Licenses for APRNs typically need to be renewed every few years, although some states may require annual renewal. Renewal often involves completing continuing education credits and maintaining national certification.
The Various Roles of APRNs
So, what are some of the things you could do as an APRN? There are four main areas of specialty for advanced practice registered nurses, each with its own unique roles and responsibilities.
Nurse Practitioner (NP)
These are nursing professionals who focus on primary care or other more general areas of healthcare. It is not uncommon for nurse practitioners to serve as primary care providers for people of all ages, with the ability to diagnose illnesses, create customized treatment plans, and even write prescriptions.
Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS)
Clinical nurse specialists, on the other hand, tend to offer more specialized care than nurse practitioners. They may provide healthcare to a specific population (such as senior citizens or children) while helping patients make critical decisions about their health and wellness.
Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM)
These are healthcare professionals who are primarily focused on reproductive health, which allows them to care for women throughout their pregnancies and deliveries. In certain scenarios, certified nurse-midwives may also provide care to newborns and infants.
Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)
A CRNA is a healthcare professional who has received special education and training in administering anesthetics during surgery or childbirth.
What Is an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse’s Scope of Practice and Autonomy?
One important consideration when it comes to becoming an APRN is that the overall scope of practice and level of autonomy of an APRN can vary greatly by state. With this in mind, it is crucial to understand your state’s particular laws and regulations regarding APRNs and their scope of practice, so you are better prepared for your own career.
Legal Scope of Practice Variations by State
In general, an APRN’s scope of practice includes basic tasks like evaluating a patient’s needs, ordering any necessary diagnostic tests, and referring them for specialized care. APRNs may also write prescriptions.
From there, the scope of practice for an APRN may differ drastically from one state to the next—and some states may allow APRNs to have more autonomy than others.
Collaboration With Other Healthcare Professionals
APRNs must be in constant contact and collaboration with other healthcare professionals, including primary care physicians, surgeons, specialists, and the like. A healthy level of collaboration with other healthcare professionals ensures that patients receive the highest standard of care and that all parties are as informed as possible about a patient’s needs. Some states require an official collaborative agreement with the physician to be in place.
Impact of APRNs in Healthcare
Advanced practice registered nurses play an important role in the healthcare industry, especially when it comes to optimizing patient outcomes and addressing staffing shortages that currently exist throughout the field.
Improving Patient Care and Outcomes
APRNs serve as advocates for their patients, ensuring that they receive the time and attention they need to achieve optimal health and wellness. The specialized level of care that an APRN is able to provide helps patients receive truly customized treatment plans designed with their health and well-being in mind.
Addressing Primary Care Shortages
Throughout the healthcare industry, staffing shortages of primary care physicians has become a growing problem. Thankfully, because APRNs are able to serve as primary care doctors in many states, they are playing a critical role in filling these gaps and ensuring that patients have access to the primary care they need.
Challenges Facing APRNs
Working as an APRN is a rewarding career path for many, but this is not to say these professionals do not face their fair share of challenges and hurdles.
Regulatory and Legislative Hurdles
One of the biggest issues facing APRNs (and aspiring APRNs) is differences in regulations and laws by state. There may be a great deal of variation in requirements for clinical training hours for APRNs in one state versus the next, which could create logistical headaches for those looking to enter the field.
Public and Professional Recognition
Meanwhile, the title of APRN is not as widely recognized as that of RN or many other nursing specializations in the field. This, in turn, could make it difficult for some APRNs to establish themselves and begin growing their patient base.
Discover Post University’s Nurse Practitioner Specializations
Becoming an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) is deeply rewarding for those who thrive on challenges and strive to deliver exceptional patient care. To achieve this designation, completing an advanced degree program at the master’s or doctorate level is essential.
At Post University, we offer a Master of Science in Nursing program for aspiring nurse practitioners (NPs) with three specialization options. These pathways provide rigorous education and training necessary to help nurses prepare for APRN certification in their respective specialties. Our programs are designed with flexibility in mind, offering online learning options and personalized practice experiences tailored to your professional needs. Take the next step in your nursing career—request more information or apply today.
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