FAQ: The Role of an Advanced Practice Nurse
Advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) are key elements to the health system in America. These nurses are advanced due to their education at a masters or post-masters education level. APRNs have been certified to manage patient issues, prescribe medicine, diagnose, assess and order diagnostic tests. There are many types of advanced practice registered nurses that work in the medical field, including an advanced practice nurse Chicago, IL trusts. Here we have listed these roles and given a brief explanation of what each type of nurse does within the medical field.
What is the responsibility of a Certified Nurse Practitioner?
Certified nurse practitioners (CNPs) have completed the higher level education and practice required in order to offer advanced medical care to patients. They must uphold the responsibility of providing disease prevention, education, diagnosis and counseling for patients with acute and/or chronic conditions. They are able to see patients within family practice, internal medicine, women’s health, geriatrics and pediatric medicine.
What is the role of a Certified Nurse-Midwife?
The role of a certified nurse-midwife (CNM) is to provide gynecologic medical care, services for family planning, childbirth, newborn care, postpartum and prenatal care to women in their community. Additionally, a CNM can treat male partners of female patients for reproductive health and sexually transmitted illnesses. A CNM may work in a variety of settings, including an office, patient’s home, birth center and hospital.
What is a Clinical Nurse Specialist?
Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNSs) can diagnose, create treatment plans, offer disease management and health prevention information for individual patients, family groups and communities. They are educated at an advanced level, which permits them to provide medical care to the public.
Can a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist work with healthy & sick patients?
Regardless of whether a patient is healthy or has a life-threatening illness, a certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA) can provide anesthesia education and services. A CRNA may work in various settings, including surgical suites or hospitals. A CRNA can help patients who are suffering from any range of acute, mild, severe or critical conditions.
Should I let my advanced practice nurse know about my medical history?
Just like your primary doctor, the more your advanced practice nurse knows about your past and current medical history the more accurately they can diagnose and treat your condition. Do not be afraid to share personal information about your health with your APRN. Even symptoms that may seem trivial or embarrassing are worth sharing, as the goal of your APRN is to help you and should never make you feel judged or criticized.
What if my advanced practice nurse cannot help me with my condition?
If for any reason your condition or symptoms are not something an APRN can create a treatment plan for, they know who to recommend that can assist in your care. Whether you are experiencing mild or severe mental, physical, emotional or spiritual challenges, they can either help treat you themselves or forward you on to someone who can. Your APRN understands that each patient’s condition is a very private and delicate matter. They will do what they can to get you back to feeling happy and health again.
Thank you to our friends and contributors at WholeHealth Chicago for their knowledge about advanced practice nursing.
