APRN and NP, same thing?

SHGR, MSN, RN, CNS · Mar 9, 2014

http://www.aacn.nche.edu/education-resources/APRNReport.pdf

Hi, here is the link to the LACE model which explains it all! On page 10 of the document is a diagram of the model.

There are four groups of Advanced Practice RN's (APRNs; but I am also seeing APNP a lot for advanced practice nurse prescriber): nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, nurse midwives, and CRNA (anesthetists); then the population foci, such as adult/gero or peds; then subspecialties.

So, based on this model, in a few months (assuming I graduate) I'll be an adult-gero CNS with a diabetes focus.

There are also MSN prepared nurses who are not APRNs such as nurse educators, business/management focused, or CNL.

There certainly is an alphabet soup going on in our profession.

We do need to be able to speak to this topic and questions about the initials and scope.

I hope this helps.

BeachsideRN, ASN · Mar 9, 2014

Thanks SHGR. It's all very confusing. I am a non-traditional nursing student (hopefully). I have a BS in chemistry and an MPH. I've worked in cancer research for 10 years. I am planning to start a clinical nursing program in the fall (pending acceptance, of course). As of now, I feel like after I finish the BSN I would like to work and pursue an advanced practice role so I am trying to figure out what options are available and best fit for my background.

Thank you for the link, it helps in trying to decipher the alphabet soup. Lol

BeachsideRN, ASN · Mar 9, 2014

In an ideal world I'd like to pursue CRNA, but I doing think that I will be able to make the commitment required of the CRNA programs in terms of not working and spending time away from my family