Advanced Practice Nurse

**Semantic type:** Biomedical Occupation or Discipline

**Definition:** A registered nurse, usually prepared at the master's degree level or higher, who functions within a specialty area within nursing practice. Advanced practice nurses make independent and collaborative health care decisions. Advanced practice nurses are expert clinicians engaged in active practice. The advanced practice nurse demonstrates leadership as a consultant, educator, administrator and researcher. An important leadership function of all advanced practice nurses is participation in legislative and professional activities to promote professional advancement and health related social policies. (from AANP)

**Synonyms:** - APN - APN - advanced practice nurse