Definition and Scope of Practice of a Nurse Practitioner
Introduction
An advanced practice nurse is a registered nurse who has developed and accomplished extensive practical experience and theoretical knowledge in critical decision making, and practice in their different areas of practice (Joel, 2013). Advanced practice nursing is a level of practice for such nurses who have acquired a certain level of educational and practical knowledge. The APNs play a major role in the healthcare industry, providing services such as patient assessment, patient history taking, physical and clinical examinations, ordering lab tests for patients, referring patients for specialized care if need be, performing diagnosis, and prescribing medications (Zaccagnini & White, 2013). They work at the primary care level, where they act as the first line of respondents for the patients.
The APNs can specialize in either of the four general areas; Nurse Anesthetists, Nurse Midwives, Clinical Nurse Specialists, and Nurse Practitioners. Each specialization requires it’s defined theoretical and practical or class hours, different from the other specializations. A nurse can further take a
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A nurse practitioner can work in any setting, including, but not limited to, primary care, pediatrics, cardiology, geriatrics, and obstetrics or women’s health. In Florida, becoming an APN doesn’t require one to have a license as an RN and as an APN, since APN is an upgrade of the RN, which results to one certification (Hamric, Hanson, Tracy & O 'Grady, 2013). Also, all specialties under the APN are required to bear a national certification in order for them to practice in Florida, and are required to renew their licenses accordingly and as stipulated by the Florida