How to become an advanced practice registered nurse

How to become an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse

Becoming an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) requires several years of education and clinical experience. APRNs are registered nurses who have completed additional education and training in a specialized area of nursing, such as nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist, certified nurse midwife, or certified registered nurse anesthetist. APRNs have a higher level of autonomy and responsibility than registered nurses, and are able to diagnose and treat patients, prescribe medications, and order diagnostic tests.

Here are the general steps to become an APRN:

• Obtain a Bachelor's Degree in Nursing (BSN): The first step to becoming an APRN is to obtain a Bachelor's Degree in Nursing from an accredited institution. This typically takes four years to complete, and includes coursework in nursing theory, patient care, and pharmacology, as well as supervised clinical experience in a healthcare setting.
• Obtain Licensure as a Registered Nurse (RN): After completing a BSN program, graduates must pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) to obtain licensure as an registered nurse. Licensure requirements vary by state, but typically include completing an accredited nursing program, passing the NCLEX-RN, and meeting other state-specific requirements.
• Gain Clinical Experience: Before pursuing an APRN program, RNs should gain at least one to two years of clinical experience in a healthcare setting. This will provide valuable hands-on experience working with patients, and will help RNs identify areas of nursing that they are particularly interested in.
• Pursue Advanced Education: APRNs typically hold a Master's Degree in Nursing, although some programs may offer a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree. APRN programs typically take two to three years to complete, and include coursework in advanced nursing theory, pharmacology, and healthcare management, as well as clinical experience in the APRN's specialized area of practice.
• Obtain Certification: After completing an APRN program, graduates must obtain certification in their specialized area of practice from a national certifying organization. This typically involves passing a certification exam, which tests knowledge and skills in the APRN's specialized area of practice.
• Obtain State Licensure: In addition to national certification, APRNs must also obtain state licensure to practice in their state. Licensure requirements vary by state, but typically include completing an APRN program, passing a certification exam, and meeting other state-specific requirements.
• Continuing Education: APRNs are required to maintain their certification and licensure by completing continuing education courses and staying up-to-date on the latest advancements and best practices in their field.

Certifications
Advanced practice registered nurses can obtain various certifications to demonstrate their advanced knowledge and specialized skills in their respective fields. Here are some of the most common certifications for APRNs and the organizations that offer them:

• Certified Nurse Practitioner (CNP): Offered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), the National Certification Corporation (NCC), and the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board (PNCB). This certification is available for nurse practitioners in various specialties such as family, pediatric, adult-gerontology, and psychiatric-mental health.
• Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA): Offered by the National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists (NBCRNA). This certification is for APRNs who specialize in administering anesthesia to patients.
• Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM): Offered by the American Midwifery Certification Board (AMCB). This certification is for APRNs who provide care to women during pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum.
• Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS): Offered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). This certification is for APRNs who specialize in a specific area of patient care such as oncology, critical care, or pediatrics.
• Certified Nurse Educator (CNE): Offered by the National League for Nursing (NLN). This certification is for APRNs who work in academic settings and are responsible for educating and training nursing students.
• Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (CPNP): Offered by the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board (PNCB). This certification is for nurse practitioners who specialize in caring for children from birth to young adulthood.
• Certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP): Offered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). This certification is for nurse practitioners who specialize in providing mental health care to patients across the lifespan.
• Certified Gerontological Nurse Practitioner (CGNP): Offered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). This certification is for nurse practitioners who specialize in caring for older adults.

Associations
There are several professional associations for advanced practice registered nurses in the United States. Here are some of the most prominent ones:

• American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP): This is the largest professional organization for nurse practitioners in the United States, with over 130,000 members. AANP provides resources, education, and advocacy for nurse practitioners across all specialties.
• American Nurses Association (ANA): The ANA is a professional organization that represents the interests of all nurses, including APRNs. They advocate for policies that support nursing practice, promote the value of nursing, and provide continuing education and professional development opportunities.
• National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists (NACNS): The NACNS is a professional organization for Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNSs), which provides resources, education, and advocacy for CNSs across all specialties.
• American Association of Nurse Anesthetists (AANA): The AANA is a professional organization for Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs), which provides education, advocacy, and resources for CRNAs.
• National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners (NAPNAP): The NAPNAP is a professional organization for Pediatric Nurse Practitioners (PNPs), which provides education, advocacy, and resources for PNPs who care for children from birth through young adulthood.
• American Psychiatric Nurses Association (APNA): The APNA is a professional organization for psychiatric-mental health nurses, including APRNs who specialize in this area. The APNA provides education, resources, and advocacy for psychiatric-mental health nurses.
• Gerontological Advanced Practice Nurses Association (GAPNA): The GAPNA is a professional organization for APRNs who specialize in gerontology, which provides education, resources, and advocacy for APRNs who care for older adults.