| Description |
Advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) are an integral part of the medical team. The term APRN encompasses four specific disciplines of advanced practice nursing: nurse practitioner (NP), certified nurse midwife (CNM), clinical nurse specialist (CNS), and certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA). All APRNs are registered nurses prepared at the post-graduate level and hold special certification (Utah Medical Education Council, 2013). APRNs make up a significant part of the medical workforce, but the roles and responsibilities of APRNs tend to be much less well-defined in the public eye than the roles and responsibilities of physicians. APRNs have many challenges presented to them upon graduation and entering the workforce in their new capacity. Some of the challenges facing newly graduated APRNs are passing their certification exam, obtaining licensure, obtaining employment, and finally starting practice. Factors that can help contribute to new nurse practitioner success are adequate training and appropriate mentorship. There has been an increasing demand for APRNs in Utah, as well as throughout the United States, so it is important that the new generation of APRN succeed in their new roles. Recommendations for the future include developing peer mentoring programs and developing an advanced practice evaluation tool to ensure the adequate training and development of APRNs. |
