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Advanced Practice Nurses
I couldn’t agree with you more when you stated that Advanced Practice Nurses have been
transforming healthcare for a number of years. The input, knowledge and advocacy are
astounding! As you stated an advanced practiced nurse (APN) is a registered nurse who has
earned a master’s degree in a clinical specialty such as certified nurse anesthetist (CRNA),
certified nurse midwife (CNM), nurse practioner (NP) and clinical nurse specialist. Their role is
mid-level provider existing between RN and physician. Advanced practice nurses can be found
within hospitals, physician offices, urgent care centers, birthing centers, community health
departments, long term care facilities and surgical centers (Lofgren et al., 2017). I find it to be
exciting times to be an APN and be a catalyst for change.
Your personal account regarding interactions with your APNs is very appreciated and
enlightening. Hospice can be an overlooked part of health care, yet it seems that your rapport
with your APNs ensures your patients are receiving the best and safest care, along with their
families. APNs are in a great position to be a voice for the most vulnerable especially
recognizing that humanity is to be valued because all are created in God’s image (Genesis 1:27).
Jeremiah 1:5 states that God knew us before we were formed. As Christians we are exemplified
to respect life and APNs are utilized to be that defender. I truly admire you as you help those
vulnerable individuals and families face their mortality.
References
Lofgren, M. A., Berends, S. K., Reyes, J., Wycoff, C., Kinnetz, M., Frohling, A., Baker, L.,
Whitty, S., Dirks, M., & O'Brien, M. (2017). Scope of practice barriers for advanced
practice registered nurses. JONA: The Journal of Nursing Administration, 47(9), 465–
469. https://doi.org/10.1097/nna.0000000000000515
