Expanding health care roles have patients asking, ‘is the nurse in?’
Advanced practice registered nurses have broken an age-old notion that only doctors diagnose and treat health problems.
According to the National Council of State Boards of Nursing, APRNs are a critical part of the health system in America. They are registered nurses educated at a postgraduate level in a specific role in health care systems. Education and certification processes prepare APRNs to evaluate, diagnose and manage patient problems. They also are trained to order tests and prescribe medications, the NCSBN said.
Despite APRNs’ growing presence in health care settings, they often face confusion or questioning from patients when they first meet them in an exam room, said Desiree Vance, a certified nurse practitioner with Family Physicians of Englewood.
“I’d have patients ask me if I was still in school or how much longer it would be until I became a doctor,” Vance said.
APRNs fill a variety of important roles under various titles. Familiarizing oneself with these different roles may make it easier for patients to accept an APRN’s role in their care, Vance said.
Certified Nurse Practitioner — These individuals are often found in a primary care or acute care setting. Their focus is on prevention, education and management of chronic health issues.
Clinical Nurse Specialist — A CNS is like a CNP but often are found in more specialized settings such as practices focused on oncology, pain management, wound care and rehabilitation services.
Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist — These nurses provide anesthesia care to patients dealing with a wide range of health issues and acuity levels. They work in various settings ranging from outpatient surgical offices to hospital settings.
Certified Nurse Midwife — The acronym may point to an image of a child’s birth, but a CNM’s job is much more than that. They provide health care to women throughout their life including family planning, a child’s birth and gynecologic care. They can be found in a hospital setting or a private practice.
Vance said a nurse practitioner’s greatest asset is the ability to relate to patients based on their many years of bedside nursing experience.
“I took a week-long class that focused on how to communicate with patients, especially if they’re upset or having a hard time with something,” said Vance, who practices with Premier Physician Network. “We learned how to comfort them, how to calm them down and how to approach hard questions.”
Patients who see an APRN in a specialty setting will likely see both the nurse practitioner and the physician or surgeon. APRNs in a specialty setting play a role that often supports the doctor by taking on pre-operative and post-operative visits, Vance said.
“It can be hard for a patient to understand my role in their care, but once they spend time with me, they begin to see the benefit and often say they prefer me,” Vance said.
For more information about APRNs, or to schedule an appointment with a Premier Physician Network provider near you, visit PremierHealth.com/MakeAnAppointment.