What is an APRN and How do I get one?

A registered nurse (RN) who completes advanced education and clinical training beyond the basic nursing is known as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN). APRNs have the knowledge and skills to provide advanced healthcare services. In this blog post you will get to know everything about APRNs like what an APRN is, its types and how to become an APRN. 

Types of APRNs 

There are four main types of APRNs, and they are given below. 

1. Nurse Practitioner (NP): NPs provide primary and specialty care. They can diagnose and treat illnesses, prescribe medications, and collaborate with other healthcare professionals to manage patient care. 
2. Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM): CNMs provide care to women only during their pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum. They also offer gynaecological services and family planning. 
3. Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS): CNSs provide services of cardiology, oncology and psychiatric-mental health. They provide specialized care, conduct research, and educate other healthcare professionals. 
4. Certified Registered Nurse Anaesthetist (CRNA): CRNAs are trained in anaesthesia. They administer anaesthesia for procedures and surgeries. 

How to become an APRN?  

If you want to become an APRN, there are some educational requirements, clinical experiences and certifications you will need. Here are some general steps to become an APRN. 

1. You need to complete your Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree from an accredited nursing program. This degree takes 4 years to complete. It includes classroom instruction and clinical experiences. 
2. After completing the BSN program, you must pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) to become a licensed registered nurse (RN). 
3. You need to have some clinical experience as an RN as APRN programs require it. You need to work in a healthcare setting to get experience and develop essential skills. 
4. You need to choose a specialized area of advanced practice and enroll in a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN). This program will provide you advanced education in your chosen APRN role. 
5. After graduating from APRN program, you need to obtain certification in your specialization. Certification requirements vary by state and specialty but typically involve passing a national certification exam. 
6. After these steps, you need to get a license by the state where you want to practice. To get your license, you need to submit some proof of your education, clinical hours and certifications. 

By following these steps and meeting the requirements, you can embark on a fulfilling career as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse, contributing to healthcare advancement and positively impacting patients’ lives.