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advanced practice nurse (APN) is a licensed professional registered
nurse with advanced training and education for certification to practice
in one of four specialties: certified nurse midwife (CNM), certified
nurse practitioner (CNP), certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA),
and clinical nurse specialist (CNS). To become an APN in Illinois
now requires a master’s degree in that specialty, specialty certification,
and state licensing. APNs typically practice in a chosen area of concentration.
Depending on the specialty, an APN may work in collaboration with
a practicing physician. APNs may order and interpret diagnostic tests,
provide patient education and counseling, prescribe and administer
medications and anesthesia, perform procedures, and order or perform
therapeutic treatment. The APN role continues to expand. You will
find APNs working in hospitals, clinics and private offices. Their
various duties can include:
CERTIFIED
NURSE MIDWIFE (CNM)
The
CNM is a registered nurse who has completed advanced training in
the field of obstetrics and gynecology. CNMs provide family centered,
personalized birthing experiences naturally in the hospital or at
home with the safety of modern technology and the availability of
physicians if needed. CNMs provide prenatal and postnatal care as
well as women’s health services throughout the life span.
CERTIFIED
NURSE PRACTITIONER (CNP)
The
CNP is a registered nurse with advanced education and clinical experience
who provides primary and specialty care. The CNP can evaluate and
treat acute and chronic illnesses and injuries in the clinic or
hospital as well as in nursing care facilities. An emphasis on health
promotion and illness prevention is integral to patient education
in CNP practice.
CERTIFIED
REGISTERED NURSE ANESTHETIST (CRNA)
Specializing
in anesthesia care, the CRNA specialty dates back to nursing in
the American Civil War. CRNAs provide anesthesia for patients of
all ages undergoing every type of in-patient and out-patient procedure.
CRNAs provide the majority of anesthesia needed in surgical procedures
in Illinois as well as participating in the management of chronic
pain in the hospital and clinic setting.
CLINCAL
NURSE SPECIALISTS (CNS)
The
CNS is a registered nurse who has graduate preparation (master's
or doctorate) in nursing as a CNS. The CNS is a clinical expert
in specialty nursing practice. CNSs generally practice in one or
more of the following five areas: clinical practice, clinical leadership,
teaching, research and consulting. CNSs provide care to patients
with acute and chronic illnesses in hospital and out-patient settings.
For
links to the organizations representing these APN specialties go
to http://www.isapn.org/links.php
and select the appropriate entity from the list.
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