An APN, or Advanced Practice Nurse, is a registered nurse who has obtained advanced training and certification, often including a masters or doctorate degree in nursing. APNs are highly-educated and trained to work closely with physicians to develop and deliver the optimum treatment plan for patients. They are not a replacement for doctors, but they can provide an additional layer of care and serve as an advocate and knowledgeable care provider. APNs combine their skills as compassionate and skilled nurses with an advanced education that enables them to provide a wide range of services. These services may include:

• Developing and delivering treatment plans in collaboration with physicians
• Providing patient education and counseling
• Prescribing medications
• Ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests
• Performing physical exams and medical procedures
• Managing chronic illnesses
• Providing primary care services

APNs may work in either a specialist or generalist capacity, and they are intended to demonstrate effective integration of theory, practice, and experiences along with increasing degrees of autonomy in judgments and interventions, while remaining under physician supervision.