This assignment’s purpose is to provide the student with an opportunity to explore the roles and competencies of the advanced practice nurse (APN). Activity Learning Outcomes Through this assignment, the student will demonstrate the ability to: Examine the roles and competencies of advanced practice nurses essential to performing as leaders and advocates of holistic, safe, and quality care. (CO1) Competencies of Advanced Practice Nurse Roles Competencies of Advanced Practice Nurse Roles Explore the process of scholarship engagement to improve health and healthcare outcomes in various settings. (CO4)

Competencies of Advanced Practice Nurse Roles

Advanced practice nurses (APNs) possess higher training compared to registered nurses. Their roles are underpinned by their superior clinical knowledge. They provide basic preventative outpatient services and other care services. Accordingly, this involves diagnosing and management of the patient’s needs. They also provide antenatal and gynecological services to patients. Furthermore, they are involved in the diagnosis and treatment plan decisions as health care providers’ multidiscipline members. They also provide appropriate anesthesia during surgical procedures. The transition from a registered nurse to an APN is beneficial to patients. However, difficulties can be experienced during this transition. Therefore, this paper will discuss the roles of advanced practice nurses, give reasons for selecting certified nurse practitioner roles, and explain the transition process from a registered nurse.

Four Advanced Practice Nursing Roles

In California, a nurse practitioner is an autonomous individual who conducts patient assessment, diagnosis, and prescription roles. The diagnosis is based on current guidelines and provides holistic patient care (Neto et al., 2018). Nurse practitioners are found in primary health care facilities and make all the treatment plan decisions. Their autonomous nature explains their work environment, where they don’t work under a physician. Further, education preparation involves either a master’s degree or a doctorate course. Accordingly, the focus is channeled to competency in clinical issues and practice. The certification requirement for a nurse practitioner is a registered nurse’s license (California Board of Registered Nurses, n.d.). This license should be valid in the state of California. Those without these licenses must apply for licensure at a non-refundable fee.

Clinical nurse specialists (CNS) perform various roles. They offer specialized clinical knowledge in a specific field. They are involved in clinical research programs, patient education, providing consultation services, and leadership roles (Neto et al., 2018). They work in concert with other healthcare providers to promote evidence-based practice. Their actions impact patient care directly and indirectly. Direct services are provided during a routine meeting with patients, caregivers, and next of kin. On the other hand, indirect services occur via policy formulation, such as advocacy for evidence-based practice. The work environment of clinical nurse specialists involves interacting with patients, other nursing staff, and other multidisciplinary healthcare providers in healthcare institutions. Educational preparations involve a master’s or doctorate program. The emphasis is on critical and abstract thinking during training. Furthermore, applying research to routine nursing practice is an aspect of interest. According to the California Board of Registered Nurses (n.d.), their certification requires a valid Californian Registered nurse’s license.

Additionally, certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs) perform important roles in the surgical sector. They provide anesthetic services to patients during various procedures. They ensure that the operations are safely executed in the patient’s comfort. They provide continuing medical education to other healthcare providers. Their work environment is broad. They can work in dental clinics, hospital theatres, and different clinical settings requiring safe anesthesia administration (Neto et al., 2018). Educational preparation involves acquiring a master’s or doctoral degree program. On the other hand, training entails a thorough knowledge of general and local anesthetics and their safe use. Accordingly, this includes the dosage considerations for special patient populations. Essentially, its prerequisite is a bachelor of science in nursing degree. Before certification, a valid Californian registered nurse’s license should be provided.

Certified nurse-midwives (CNMs) provide reproductive services to women. They work in concert with physicians. These services include antenatal care, delivery services, and postnatal care of the mother and the newborn (Neto et al., 2018). Furthermore, they offer services related to proper family planning techniques according to the patients’ wishes. They are involved in the prescription and counseling of expectant and postnatal women on proper nutrition (Neto et al., 2018). Education preparation for these nurses comprises acquiring a master’s degree or higher qualification in a midwifery program. The training imparts skills and knowledge of providing quality maternal care. Certification requires the possession of a valid Californian registered nurse’s license.

The Rationale for Choosing the Certified Nu