The Pros And Cons Of Advanced Practice Registered Nurses

“Advanced practice registered nurses (APRN) are prepared by education and certification to assess, diagnose, and manage patient problems, order tests, and prescribe medications” (National Council of State Boards of Nursing, 2016). APRN’s include Nurse Practitioners, Clinical Nurse Specialists, Nurse Anesthetists, and Nurse Midwives. APRN’s have the ability to prescribe in all fifty states. They have the capability to provide care for diverse populations, independent of physicians or other providers, in a variety of settings. These roles have been established and sustained out of need. APRN’s are in demand due to a shortage of primary care providers, an aging population, and demand for more cost-effective health care. A recent study was