MDC Evolution of Nurse Practitioner Role Discussion

1. Nurse Practitioner (NP), Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM), Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA), and Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) are the four role categories for Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRN). The general and specialized care that nurse practitioners offer to patients of all ages is provided by highly trained medical professionals. In addition to evaluating, diagnosing, treating, and prescribing drugs, they also educate patients. In response to the increasing demand for primary care physicians, particularly in impoverished regions, the NP position evolved in the 1960s. In 1965, the University of Colorado’s NP program was established with the goal of preparing registered nurses for expanding responsibilities in healthcare, with a focus on primary care and health promotion (ANA, 2017).

The role of nurse practitioners has developed and grown throughout time, enabling them to deliver full primary care on their own. The healthcare team recognizes nurse practitioners as essential contributors who deliver high-quality, economical treatment in a variety of settings.

2. The 4 APRN role types are certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA), certified nurse-midwife (CNM), clinical nurse specialist (CNS), and certified nurse practitioner (CNP). An APRN includes elements that are essential such as licensure, accreditation, certification, and education. Definitions of APRNs can include those who have completed an accredited graduate level education program, passed national certification, and acquired those who demonstrate clinical knowledge and skills. In 1955 the NCSBN was directed by the Delegate Assembly to work with APRN to make certain examinations suitable for regulatory purposes. During the early 2000’s the APRN advisory board developed certain criteria fit for the elements of certification. The panel was brought together to form and improve the legal aspect and to promote communication with stakeholders. The vision paper was complete and that was drafted over the next 8-10 years. The CNP was prepared to diagnose and treat patients. This includes care along the wellness-illness continuum and that is a dynamic process (PointLoma, 2023). The CNP’s provide initial, ongoing and comprehensive care that includes taking history, physical examinations, and health assessments. The responsibilities includes health promotion, disease prevention, education and counseling for both acute and chronic diseases (NIH, 2023). They work alongside a doctor to provide care. Assess, diagnose, and treat the symptoms working towards disease prevention. The CRNA is prepared to provide full spectrum anesthesia. These individuals can range from healthy through all levels of acuity. A CRNA can work in a diverse amount of settings. The CNM provides a range of primary health services to women through a lifespan, including family planning services, reproductive health, childbirth, etc. This care can be provided in a number of settings. The CNS goal is the improvement of patient outcomes and care, this can create an environment through mentoring and empowering nurses to take responsibility and accountability through diagnosis and treatment (NIH, 2023). They can apply resaerach and provide clinical expertise as well as having communication leadership abilities.