In Florida, an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) is a professional nurse who has obtained advanced training in the diagnosis and treatment of common illnesses and is licensed to practice an advanced nursing discipline.
An advanced nurse practitioner is required to attain a master’s degree from an accredited university and complete national certification in his or her field of specialization. They must also keep a written agreement with a physician committed to always being available for consultation.
What Can an APRN Do?
An advanced nurse practitioner is a primary care provider focusing on well being, awareness and education, and illness prevention. An APRN can perform the following functions:
- Physical exams
- Review patient medical histories
- Diagnose and treat common conditions such as infection or injury
- Request and analyze diagnostic tests including X-rays, MRIs, and ECGs
- Diagnose and treat chronic diseases like diabetes and hypertension
- Prescribe medication, therapies, and medical equipment
- Administer vaccines
- Educate and counsel
- Refer patients to other healthcare providers or specialists as needed
- Advanced nurse practitioners identify, develop, implement, and evaluate plans of care and treatment for their patients to help them optimize their health outcomes.