The advanced practice nurse, or APN, has an advanced scope of practice in the nursing field, having been equipped with advanced training in clinical and educational practices. “Most states allow APNs to prescribe medications, including controlled substances,” and they “work in clinics, nursing homes, and hospitals to provide primary and preventive health care services, prescribe medication, and diagnose and treat common minor illnesses and injuries” (Prater and Hall, 2008). This often involves a much higher level of education than a normal RN, and they are given greater responsibility regarding the care of a patient, often under their own practices (Bryant-Lukosius et al., 2004).
