4 APRN Role Types

• APRN roles and practice are multifaceted. Name the 4 APRN role types.
• Discuss the historical development of one APRN role.
• Briefly describe the general responsibilities of each of the 4 APRN role types.
• Support all responses using at least one scholarly source

The four primary Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) roles are:

1. Nurse Practitioner (NP)
2. Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS)
3. Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM)
4. Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)

Historical Development of the Nurse Practitioner (NP) Role

The Nurse Practitioner (NP) role was developed in response to a shortage of primary care physicians in the 1960s. Dr. Loretta Ford, a nurse, and Dr. Henry Silver, a physician, co-founded the first NP program at the University of Colorado in 1965, initially focusing on pediatric care. The role evolved to meet increasing demands for healthcare access, particularly in underserved areas. Over the decades, NPs have gained authority to practice independently in many states, manage complex health conditions, and emphasize preventive care, largely contributing to the growth and recognition of NPs as essential providers in the healthcare system.

General Responsibilities of the APRN Roles

1. Nurse Practitioner (NP): NPs provide a range of healthcare services, including assessment, diagnosis, and management of acute and chronic conditions. They work in various settings, including primary care, hospitals, and specialty clinics. NPs focus on holistic care and health promotion, often serving as primary care providers.
2. Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS): CNSs are experts in a specific area of nursing practice, such as geriatrics, pediatrics, or oncology. They provide advanced nursing care, develop best practices, and lead quality improvement initiatives. CNSs also play a role in education, research, and healthcare system improvements to enhance patient outcomes.
3. Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM): CNMs provide primary and specialty care to women, focusing on reproductive and gynecological health, pregnancy, and childbirth. They deliver prenatal, childbirth, and postpartum care, emphasizing natural childbirth practices and supporting women’s health across the lifespan.
4. Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA): CRNAs are trained to administer anesthesia and manage patient care before, during, and after surgical and other procedures. CRNAs work independently or as part of a surgical team in hospitals, ambulatory care centers, and other healthcare settings, ensuring safe and effective anesthesia care.

Supporting Source

The evolving roles and responsibilities of APRNs, including their historical development, are thoroughly explored in literature. According to Tracy and O’Grady (2019), “The Nurse Practitioner role was developed to address the need for accessible, cost-effective primary care and has since expanded into various specialties and settings” (Tracy & O’Grady, 2019).

Reference: Tracy, M. F., & O’Grady, E. T. (2019). Advanced Practice Nursing: Essentials for Role Development. Springer Publishing Company.