Nursing role in advanced nursing

Nursing Role in Advanced Nursing Have you ever thought of continuing your education? Perhaps moving into the role of nurse practitioner? Or maybe earn the title of Advanced Practice Registered Nurse? An Advanced Practice Registered Nurse, often referred to as APRN, has 3-4 years of education beyond that of a registered nurse.

Roles of APRNs Most APRNs pursue an area of specialty-

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Clinical specialist- in this field, the APRN generally works in a medical clinic. They see patients just as doctors do, and can diagnose and prescribe medications. As health care laws are undergoing major changes, many insurance companies now encourage patients to see APRNs rather than a physician, to help keep cost down. APRNs are allowed to work in a clinic without a physician on site, provided they still operate under the guidance of said physician. Many health departments now employ APRNs to oversee the needs of the public, and supervise registered nurses within the department.

APRNs can specialize in areas such as anesthesiology. Prior to surgery, a series of questions are asked of the patient, and it is generally the anesthesiologist APRN that comprises the data. They will also assist the surgeon and anesthesiologist during the surgical procedure.

Obstetrics and the APRN – in this area, the APRN works closely with the obstetrician and can examine patients and record information or report it back to the attending obstetrician.

Related: Making a Career Move APRNs work in teaching positions instructing other nurses. It is often preferred to have APRNs teach since they have worked within a nursing field, and have hands on experience. Many times, APRNs are called on to speak at seminars, or to speak at conventions. The higher level of education combined with their nursing experience makes for a great presentation to the audience.

Marcy worked as an RN for 11 years and decided to take advantage of her employer’s education reimbursement program and return to school. She continued to work full time while attending school, and with class time limited, it took her 3 years and 9 months to complete her education. Marcy then took her license exam and was a certified APRN. Marcy was offered

multiple jobs, some offering twice what her salary as an RN was. She opted to take a position within the community health department. She was in charge of working within the community, and supervising the nurses that worked under her. Marcy said she particularly enjoyed the research aspect, of determining where a need for education was, and then arranging it for the general public. She held trainings for the public in schools, work places, hospitals, and there at the health department. It was estimated after her first year of offering these pubic, the teen pregnancy rate dropped 18%, while sexually transmitted diseases were down about 25%. There is no question in her mind that she made the right decision to return to school and become an APRN. Would you enjoy working as an APRN? Much of It depends on personality.

For some nurses, they enjoy working with their patients on a hands-on capacity, and APRNs would not have the opportunity to continue this. The role of an APRN mimics that of a doctor much more than a nurse. The time most APRNs spend with each patient, is on average 11 minutes. Registered nurses often spend 2 or more hours with a patient during their shift. APRNs are authorized to write prescriptions, so they spend a fair amount of time investigating medications, and learning about the latest drugs and procedures.

Related: Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Working as an APRN is not for everyone, just as working as an RN is not everyone’s cup of tea. Always research any ideas on continuing education, to make sure it is something you can be commited to for at least 3 years.

Make a decision on continuing work while in school, cutting back to part time is often the best answer.

It is currently estimated that by 2020 there will be a significant shortage of nurses in general, so whatever type of nursing you decide to pursue, it’s a safe bet you will have a job.

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