Compare and contrast the primary care NP role with other nursing advanced practice roles and the role of physician assistants.

Over the years, nursing roles for advanced practice have changed. Each role has its own responsibilities and specialized training. American Nurses Association’s (ANA) four advanced practice roles include the role of primary care NPs, certified registered nurses anesthetists (CRNAs), and certified midwives (CNMs). PAs also play a similar part, though they do so under the guidance of physicians.

These roles are similar in that they all focus on patient-centered healthcare, use evidence-based practices, and place a high emphasis on disease prevention and health promotion. All of them require advanced training and education, as well as having prescribing rights in certain states. They are also eligible to receive third party reimbursements for their services.

It is the primary care NP’s role to provide comprehensive primary care across all age groups, focusing on disease prevention and chronic diseases management. CNSs are nurses who specialize in one area, like pediatrics or cancer, to help improve outcomes for patients through research, education and quality improvement. CRNAs are anesthesia providers, and CNMs care for women of all ages, including during pregnancy and childbirth.

Nursing specializations are expanding in areas such as informatics and disaster nursing. Informatics is becoming more important in the healthcare industry as technology advances. Nurse informaticians use data and technology for better patient outcomes. Another growing field is disaster nursing. In this area, nurses play an important role when it comes to emergency preparedness. Telehealth has also grown rapidly, as NPs and healthcare providers utilize technology to care for patients remotely.

Nursing advanced practice roles are expected to continue evolving and expanding in the future to keep up with the changes that healthcare requires. It may be that there is a greater emphasis placed on mental and behavioral health as well as integrating technology in patient care. The shift in healthcare towards a more team-based model will see advanced practice nurses (APNs) and physician assistants play an increasing role.