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Collectively, nurses represent the largest profession in health care (American Nurses Association [ANA], n.d.b). There are more than four million registered nurses (RNs) in the United States (US; ANA, n.d.a). An RN provides assessments, administers medications, coordinates care, and provides health education (ANA, n.d.c). However, patients today seek care due to more complex physical and mental health issues (National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine [NASEM], 2021). Nurses deliver firsthand care and strive to meet all patients' needs, despite facing anomalous barriers (Universal Health Coverage 2030, 2019).
Advanced Practice Registered Nurses
Advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) earn a master's or doctoral degree and specialize in one of four roles (ANA, n.d.c.). A certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA) provides anesthesia care for patients of all ages. Certified nurse midwives (CNM) provide care to women across the life span, including contraception, obstetrical care, and reproductive health. Nurse practitioners (NP) assess, diagnose, and treat acute and chronic illnesses and provide counseling and education (National Council of State Boards of Nursing [NCSBN], n.d.). Clinical nurse specialists (CNS) promote health, diagnose and treat illness, lead organizational change, and provide bedside nurses with evidence-based information to improve patient outcomes (National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists, 2023). CNSs and NPs are educated to practice in one of six population foci (NCSBN, n.d.).
Advanced practice nurses are more likely to work in rural settings and to provide care for underserved and uninsured populations (NASEM, 2021). According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (2023), APRNs earn a median salary of $125,000. In addition, individuals pursuing advanced nursing degrees have a positive job outlook (Carley & Garrett, 2022). Each of the advanced practice roles will see an expansion in career opportunities over the next decade. There is a demand for more CNSs to support bedside nurses (Saunders, 2018). The growth rate for CNSs is projected to be 6%. This equates to nearly 200,000 openings over the next decade (Zippia, 2024). The forecast for CRNAs is also good, with an anticipated 9% rise in positions (2,500) by 2023 (US Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2023). Ample prospects...