What does APN stand for?

The term APN stands for Advanced Practice Nurse. This designation refers to nurses who have acquired advanced clinical knowledge and skills through additional education and training, typically at the master's or doctoral level. APNs play a crucial role in healthcare, often providing comprehensive care, making independent assessments, managing patient treatments, and delivering clinical services.

Advanced Practice Nurses include various specialties such as Nurse Practitioners (NPs), Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNSs), Certified Nurse Midwives (CNMs), and Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs). Their training enables them to perform tasks traditionally done by physicians and to assume a greater degree of responsibility in patient care, thereby playing an essential role in improving healthcare access and quality. This is distinct from the other options, which do not accurately represent the professional role or educational requirements associated with APNs.