Find solution
What is an Advanced Practice Pediatric Nurse?

What is the difference between a Nurse Practitioner and Advanced Practice Nurse?

  • I am thinking about going back to school to become a Nurse Practioner or Advanced Practice Nurse. I am trying to figure out what is the difference, and how does one become one? I am already have a BA in Psychology.

  • Answer:

    Excellent answer by Satin... Just thought I'd add a couple paragraphs from the Occupational Outlook Handbook.... "Most RNs work as staff nurses, providing critical health care services along with physicians, surgeons, and other health care practitioners. However, some RNs choose to become advanced practice nurses, who often are considered primary health care practitioners and work independently or in collaboration with physicians. For example, clinical nurse specialists provide direct patient care and expert consultations in one of many of the nursing specialties listed above. Nurse anesthetists administer anesthesia, monitor patient’s vital signs during surgery, and provide post-anesthesia care. Nurse midwives provide primary care to women, including gynecological exams, family planning advice, prenatal care, assistance in labor and delivery, and neonatal care. Nurse practitioners provide basic preventive health care to patients, and increasingly serve as primary and specialty care providers in mainly medically underserved areas. The most common areas of specialty for nurse practitioners are family practice, adult practice, women’s health, pediatrics, acute care, and gerontology; however, there are many other specialties. In most States, advanced practice nurses can prescribe medications. Some nurses have jobs that require little or no direct patient contact. Most of these positions still require an active RN license. Case managers ensure that all of the medical needs of patients with severe injuries and illnesses are met, including the type, location, and duration of treatment. Forensics nurses combine nursing with law enforcement by treating and investigating victims of sexual assault, child abuse, or accidental death. Infection control nurses identify, track, and control infectious outbreaks in health care facilities; develop methods of outbreak prevention and biological terrorism responses; and staff immunization clinics. Legal nurse consultants assist lawyers in medical cases by interviewing patients and witnesses, organizing medical records, determining damages and costs, locating evidence, and educating lawyers about medical issues. Nurse administrators supervise nursing staff, establish work schedules and budgets, and maintain medical supply inventories. Nurse educators teach student nurses and also provide continuing education for RNs. Nurse informaticists collect, store, and analyze nursing data in order to improve efficiency, reduce risk, and improve patient care. RNs also may work as health care consultants, public policy advisors, pharmaceutical and medical supply researchers and salespersons, and medical writers and editors." This page goes on to describe education, training, salary ranges, etc. My sister graduated with her master's in nursing this past Saturday...she'll take the nurse practioner state booards next spring..and then (OK, I am bragging)she'll have both the degree and certificate to practice as a nurse practitioner. Satin is right, do some exploring (volunteering, talking with nurses, etc). This is great advice. Perhaps contacting a local hospital or nursing college would be a good start...or start talking with one nurse you know..and ask her or him for others to talk to. I wish you well! Great question.

Endymion... at Yahoo! Answers Visit the source

Was this solution helpful to you?

Other answers

The first 2 answers are great, so I only have one thing to add... Are you sure you don't want to go into Medicine instead? At this point, you will need to return to school to get a 4 year B.Sc.N. It is hard to say how many credits will transfer. Usually a nursing degree needs very specific courses and is more technical in nature. Because of this, it is a bit harder to apply to medical school with a nursing degree. Most schools will only take you as a "special applicant" unless you return to school and enter a pre-med program. They also don't like to see people who get a nursing degree and leave the profession. This is true. Then, you will need an additional 2 years of schooling on average, and clinical practice/experience. Most people who decide to become an NP generally are already working as nurses and want to further their career, but are not always willing, able, or eligible to go to medical school (not to mention some simply prefer nursing of course). If you take a 2 year pre-med program offered at some universities, you may be able to become an MD in 6 years total, (plus residency after). Although there is a lot nurses can do now, MD's usually are still paid quite a bit more, are often able to make their own hours, set up their own clinics/private practice, expand into surgery etc, have a bit more freedom, and usually have more science background which allows them greater research capacity. Make sure it's a nurse you want to be, and not an MD is all I am trying to say. There are both needed and great professions. I will add neither is as glamorous as they seem. That is true. You have to love science, and truly want to help people in either case. Good luck!

reginachick22

A NP is an advanced practice nurse. It is great that you have your BA in pysch. There classes that you won't have to take over. I don't know any school that will let you go from pysch straight to be a NP. I go to school for nursing. First, they will want you get your BSN in nursing ,and THEN work as a nurse before or while in school . I plan going to be a NP or even a doctor later on in my career. Oh, another thing, please,please, make sure this is what you want to do. Volunteer, or become a cna ( certified nurse assistant). So many people think nursing is what hey see on tv. It can be stressful and is far more intensive. I have people that started school w/ me that now has dropped out due to unrealistic expectations. If you can handle the sights , sounds, and smells then you are a good candidate. Also, there other advanced practice nurses. For more info go to nursing websites, forums, or even a local nurse(s). Good luck!!

satin360

Related Q & A:

Just Added Q & A:

Find solution

For every problem there is a solution! Proved by Solucija.

  • Got an issue and looking for advice?

  • Ask Solucija to search every corner of the Web for help.

  • Get workable solutions and helpful tips in a moment.

Just ask Solucija about an issue you face and immediately get a list of ready solutions, answers and tips from other Internet users. We always provide the most suitable and complete answer to your question at the top, along with a few good alternatives below.