When we think about healthcare institutions, the first image that comes to mind after a doctor is often that of a nurse. Nurses are the backbone of the healthcare system, providing essential care and medical knowledge to patients in hospitals and at home. From rural to urban settings, their role is critical. In our previous blog, we introduced the concept of Advanced Practice Nurses (APNs). In this blog, we will explore their unique roles and how they are transforming healthcare in the US.
Why “Advanced” Matters
We have known the nurses who have served us in hospitals, clinics, or at home care. Then, why are we looking into the advanced ones? So, Advanced Practice Nursing refers to nursing roles that require advanced clinical training—usually a master’s or doctoral degree beyond the Registered Nurse (RN) level. These roles are collectively known as Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) and include:
- Nurse Practitioners (NPs)
- Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNSs)
- Certified Nurse-Midwives (CNMs)
- Certified Registered Nurse Anaesthetists (CRNAs)
Their graduate-level education covers:
- Advanced Pathophysiology
- Pharmacology & Therapeutics (without prescribing, when scope allows)
- Health Policy & Leadership
- Evidence-Based Practice
What are the roles and training they must go through?
Let’s break it down further by role in Advanced Practice Nursing.
Nurse Practitioners (NPs) - These healthcare professionals are at the frontline of primary care, whether in mental health, paediatrics, or any other speciality. They are not just educators, but also conduct comprehensive health assessments, order and interpret diagnostic tests, develop and implement treatment plans, and counsel on preventive health and wellness. Their thorough approach ensures all healthcare needs are met, instilling confidence in their patients.
Clinical Nurse Specialists - These healthcare professionals are clinical experts in speciality areas, such as oncology, cardiology, and others. They focus on improving the quality of care within hospitals and health systems. Their role extends beyond patient care to educating and mentoring the nursing staff in their respective departments, examining factors that can drive systems-level change for improved patient safety and outcomes. Their leadership and mentorship inspire positive change in the healthcare system, leaving a lasting impact on their colleagues and patients.
Certified Nurse-Midwives (CNMs) and CRNAs - As the name suggests, they are dedicated to the gynaecology department, from well-woman exams to obstetric services, guided by a nursing philosophy that centres on patient choice and comfort. This patient-centred approach ensures that the patient’s needs and comfort are always the top priority. While CRNAs are involved in the Anaesthesia department, they are the experts who independently administer anaesthesia in surgical and procedural settings, ensuring patient safety from induction to recovery.
Patient Outcomes, Access & Satisfaction
Now that we have understood their role in healthcare, let’s examine their deliverables.
Improving Quality & Outcomes
The primary focus of Advanced Practice Nurses is on providing personalized patient care and improving the overall quality to achieve greater patient satisfaction. Therefore, APN-led clinics for diabetes, hypertension, and COPD report better patient adherence, lower hospitalization rates, and higher satisfaction scores. Their holistic approach and longer visit times foster better communication and trust, leading to improved patient outcomes.
Patient Satisfaction & Cost Savings
Lower hospitalization rates, a patient-centric approach, and more advanced and informed monitoring lead to greater patient satisfaction. Patients often cite APNs’ holistic approach and longer visit times as reasons for better communication and trust.
Expanding Rural & Underserved Access
With their hands-on knowledge and experience, they are well-equipped to run clinics independently and handle less complex or critical situations. In many rural counties, NPs are the only primary care providers for miles. Their ability to practice autonomously means communities can access timely care without having to travel for hours to a physician’s visit.
EmpowerCare & APNs
In the face of evolving healthcare needs and challenging times, you require a team of advanced and experienced staff who can deliver personalized care to patients. You need someone who can educate patients about their condition and also mentor the nursing staff in that department. They have become the face of the bold new frontiers of the healthcare systems. Now, how does EmpowerCare pitch in as your next employment agency?
Rigorous Vetting & Credentialing
We verify:
- Graduate degrees (MSN, DNP)
- National and state certifications (e.g., AANP, ANCC credentials)
- Licensure, background, and malpractice clearances
Cultural & Clinical Fit
- At EmpowerCare, we understand the importance of matching APRNs with the right roles. Whether it’s a primary care clinic in Arizona or a pediatric speciality unit in New York, we ensure that the APRN’s skill set aligns perfectly with the requirements of the role.
- Organizational Culture: We assess personality, working style, and leadership potential to ensure APNs thrive in your environment.
Onboarding & Ongoing Support
- Seamless Transition: From credentialing assistance to orientation resources, we help APNs hit the ground running.
- Retention Focus: Through check-ins and professional development pathways, we keep top talent engaged and growing, reducing turnover and boosting team morale.
Empowercare is not just an employment agency, but a comprehensive solution for your healthcare staffing needs. We not only help you find the next APNs for your healthcare requirements, but also assist in vetting their backgrounds and credentials. For the upcoming APN, EmpowerCare is the friend in need. We help them create a profile, receive all the training that can help them excel in the interview, find the best job match according to their requirements, and more. With EmpowerCare, you can be confident that you’re getting the best APNs for your team.
Final Thought
The healthcare industry is a demanding and challenging field, as is nursing. However, with the changing times, you need to evolve within the system, and APNs are the perfect examples of this. The nursing profession has evolved, and its role has expanded beyond patient care. They have much more on their plate, from patient care to mentoring nurses, comprehensive diagnosis, professional anaesthesia experts, and more. If you have a specific APN requirement in your healthcare institution, EmpowerCare has the right candidate for you. If you are an APN seeking a new job, our platform offers the right opportunity for you.
