Overview of Advanced Practice Registered Nursing

Abstract

Advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) are at the forefront of the rapidly changing healthcare system, filling myriad roles in organizations where they provide cost-effective, high-quality care. APRNs are found in virtually every area of the American healthcare system: clinics, hospitals, community health, government, administration, policy-making boards, and private practice. In addition, APRNs have expanded practice into international and trans global arenas. They serve the most economically disadvantaged as well as the elite. APRNs are deans, educators, consultants, researchers, policy experts, and, of course, outstanding clinicians.Advanced practice registered nursing is an exciting career choice with many opportunities and challenges. The challenges are often related to the rapidly changing healthcare environment that is contingent on funding decisions made at the state and federal levels of governmental funding. Prospective payment systems, health inequities, required outcome measures, and spiraling costs are daily APRN practice realities. Technology improves diagnostic and treatment results; genetic research is unraveling complex pathophysiology and immunotherapy; and sophisticated "big data" electronic infrastructures change the way information is gathered, stored, analyzed, and shared. Innovative care models are common and include telehealth programs, integrated or complementary modalities, and retail clinics. These and other trends result in a rapidly changing healthcare system, ready for the influence and influx of APRNs.Graduate education prepares APRNs to be key players in these complex systems. Midrange nursing theories provide strong conceptual foundations for APRN practice and nurse scholars. Nursing research uncovers scientific evidence for best practice, and research utilization skills enable APRNs to bring fresh ideas and proven interventions to healthcare consumers.