Atlanta Chapter United Advanced Practice Registered Nurses

What is an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse?

• Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRN), are Registered Nurses with advanced education at the masters or doctoral levels who posses knowledge, skills, and a scope of practice reflecting their educational preparation. APRNs may be Clinical Nurse Specialists, Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist, Certified Nurse-Midwives, or Nurse Practitioners. Regardless of the title and area of expertise, the common thread that brings all areas together is that these individuals are Registered Nurses who are certified by a national nursing organization. They are certified in their specialty by a national nursing organization and are authorized to practice by the Georgia Board of Nursing and the Georgia Composite Medical Board.

What is a Nurse Practitioner?

• A Nurse Practitioner (NP) is an advanced practice registered nurse who provides high-quality healthcare services. They diagnose and treat a wide range of health problems. They have a unique approach to treating illness and health concerns as well as promoting wellness. NP's provide knowledgeable treatment to their patients while also focusing on health promotion, disease prevention, health education and counseling. NPs may specialize in Adult, Family, and Geriatric health to name just a few areas of expertise. They are certified in their specialty by a national nursing organization and are authorized to practice by the Georgia Board of Nursing and the Georgia Composite Medical Board.

What is a Certified Nurse Midwife?

• A Nurse Midwife is an advanced practice registered nurse with additional training in the care of women and infants. Nurse Midwives address health care issues that are specific to women of all ages and are specially trained to provide care during pregnancy, childbirth, the postpartum period, and care of the newborn. They are certified in their specialty by a national nursing organization and are authorized to practice by the Georgia Board of Nursing and the Georgia Composite Medical Board.

What is a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist?

• A Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) is an advanced practice registered nurse who provides anesthesia services and related care to their patients. They provide pre-op care, education and evaluation, anesthesia during surgical procedures, and post-anesthesia care. They are certified in their specialty by a national nursing organization and are authorized to practice by the Georgia Board of Nursing and the Georgia Composite Medical Board.

What is a Clinical Nurse Specialist?

• A Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) is an advanced practice registered nurse who provides services on many levels.
  Their area of clinical expertise may be in: a population (e.g. pediatrics, geriatrics, women's health); a setting (e.g. critical care, emergency room); a disease or medical sub-specialty (e.g. diabetes, oncology); a type of care (e.g. psychiatric, rehabilitation); or a type of health problem (e.g. pain, wounds, stress). In addition to the conventional nursing responsibilities which focus upon helping patients to prevent or resolve illness, a CNS' scope of practice includes diagnosing and treating diseases, injuries and/or disabilities within his/her field of expertise. CNSs provide direct patient care, serve as expert consultants for nursing staffs, and take an active hand in improving health care delivery systems. CNSs in Georgia are certified by a national nursing organization nationally and authorized to practice by the Georgia Board of Nursing.