NR 500NP Week 2 Assignment; Roles in Advanced Practice Nursing (Fall Submission)

Historically, the white lab coat was symbolically linked to the medical doctor, however there are other clinicians who put on that revered attire. The Advanced Practice Nurse (APN) is among those honored with donning that long lab coat. The APN role was originally established to provide primary care to the pediatric population and those in medically underserved areas (DeNisco & Barker, 2015, p. 20). APN is an umbrella term that encompasses four disciplines including Certified Nurse Practitioner (CNP), Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM), Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA), and Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS). The clinicians who fill these roles must make a transition from the caregiver Registered Nurse (RN) function to that of the provider APN in order to fully utilize their advanced knowledge and skills within the competencies of their profession.