{"id":5895,"date":"2022-11-22T21:07:44","date_gmt":"2022-11-22T21:07:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/community\/?p=5895"},"modified":"2024-11-07T18:49:02","modified_gmt":"2024-11-07T18:49:02","slug":"advanced-practice-nurses-explained","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/community\/career-resources\/advanced-practice-nurses-explained\/","title":{"rendered":"The Four Types of Advanced Practice Nurses Explained"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Advanced practice nurses play an essential role on the front lines of healthcare, and demand for their clinical expertise continues to rise. Jobs for nurse practitioners, anesthetists and midwives are projected to grow 40% from 2021 to 2031, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you&#8217;re a registered nurse (RN) interested in greater responsibilities, more autonomy and higher earning potential, consider a career as an APRN. Learn more about advanced practice registered nurses (APRN) as we break down the four types of advanced practice roles, including the education and certification requirements for each and their typical salary ranges.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>What Is an Advanced Practice Nurse?<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">An advanced practice registered nurse is an RN who <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/community\/healthcare-education\/perks-of-earning-msn\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">pursued a Master of Science in Nursing<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (MSN) or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) and earned their board certification in one of four areas:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul style=\"padding-left: 30px;\">\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Certified Nurse Practitioner (CNP)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM)<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">APRNs undergo rigorous training to gain the knowledge to take on enhanced responsibilities, whether providing primary care or shaping healthcare policies. Their salaries reflect these additional qualifications. For example, an <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/nursing\/salary\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">average RN salary<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> was $37.24 per hour, while a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/nurse-practitioner\/salary\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">nurse practitioner typically earned<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> $53.77 per hour, according to Vivian&#8217;s salary data on November 22, 2022.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Professional Opportunities for\u00a0APRNs<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Once you <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/certifications\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">earn your certification<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and are <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/licensing\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">state-licensed<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, you can accept a permanent staff position at hospitals, clinics, private practices and other healthcare facilities. You also have the option of taking on temporary contracts as a travel healthcare professional due to demand for these roles throughout the country.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Facilities unable to fill staff positions often offer lucrative 13-week assignments to travelers to ease skill shortages. <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/community\/career-resources\/travel-crna-career\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Travel nurse anesthetists<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, nurse midwives, nurse practitioners and clinical nurse specialists may also enjoy benefits such as housing stipends, health insurance and free CEUs from recruiters. Travel roles can be especially attractive if you enjoy exploring new places, want to set your own schedule and desire the added variety to what can sometimes be high-pressure jobs.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Certified Nurse Practitioners<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-6441 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/community\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2023\/02\/Physician-Assistant-Jobs-Resized-1024x538.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"538\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/community\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2023\/02\/Physician-Assistant-Jobs-Resized-1024x538.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/community\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2023\/02\/Physician-Assistant-Jobs-Resized-300x157.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/community\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2023\/02\/Physician-Assistant-Jobs-Resized-768x403.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/community\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2023\/02\/Physician-Assistant-Jobs-Resized-1536x806.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/community\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2023\/02\/Physician-Assistant-Jobs-Resized-2048x1075.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/community\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2023\/02\/Physician-Assistant-Jobs-Resized-705x370.jpg 705w, https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/community\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2023\/02\/Physician-Assistant-Jobs-Resized-1410x740.jpg 1410w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">CNPs are highly trained healthcare professionals providing primary and specialty care to patients. In addition to diagnosing and treating common conditions, nurse practitioners focus on disease management and prevention, providing a comprehensive approach to overall health. CNPs must be board-certified and may specialize in a wide array of areas, such as:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul style=\"padding-left: 30px;\">\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Gerontology<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Women&#8217;s Health<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pediatrics<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Neonatal Health<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Oncology<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Orthopedics<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Psychiatric Health<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Acute Care<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/nurse-practitioner\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nurse practitioner jobs<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> are available in clinics, private practices, hospitals and nursing homes.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some of the highest-paid\u00a0CNPs work in California, where the average wage was\u00a0$67 to $91 per hour, according to our <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/nurse-practitioner\/salary\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">salary data for nurse practitioners<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> from late November 2022. The typical <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/nurse-practitioner\/travel\/salary\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">weekly salary for travel NP jobs nationwide<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> was $3,356 based on experience and location, while travel NP jobs in California paid an average of $3,955.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><b>Certified Nurse Practitioner <\/b><b>Scope of Work<\/b><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Association of American Medical Colleges forecasts a shortage of up to 124,000 physicians by 2034. The <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/community\/industry-trends\/nurse-practitioner-jobs\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">job outlook for nurse practitioners<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is especially robust\u00a0to help ease this burden.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While states have varying regulations regarding the type of work CNPs can do and whether they <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncsbn.org\/nursing-regulation\/practice\/aprn\/campaign-for-consensus\/aprn-consensus-implementation-status\/cnp-independent-practice-map.page\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">may practice independently<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, the\u00a0general responsibilities of an NP include the following:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul style=\"padding-left: 30px;\">\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Assessing and evaluating patients<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ordering and interpreting tests such as blood work, ultrasounds and X-rays<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Diagnosing conditions such as injuries, infections, high blood pressure, rheumatoid arthritis and diabetes<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Recommending and managing treatment for acute and chronic conditions<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Coordinating patient care<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Prescribing medication<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Performing physical exams<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Providing health education to patients on lifestyle and disease prevention strategies<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Managing overall health and well-being<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4><b>How to Become a CNP<\/b><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To become a CNP, you must:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul style=\"padding-left: 30px;\">\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Be a licensed RN\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Complete an MSN or a DNP from an accredited program<\/span>\n<ul style=\"padding-left: 30px;\">\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some states require nurse practitioners to hold a DNP<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pass the\u00a0CNP certification exam in your specialty through a recognized certification board<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Apply for\u00a0NP licensure in the state where you wish to work<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Renew your certification regularly by completing\u00a0continuing education and other requirements as set by your state and the certifying board<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Maintain your state licensure as an NP<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>Clinical Nurse Specialist<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-5898 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/community\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2022\/11\/CNS2-Resized-scaled-e1669151112966.jpg\" alt=\"Clinical nurse specialist\" width=\"1200\" height=\"630\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A clinical nurse specialist is an APRN with a high level of clinical expertise who may <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncsbn.org\/nursing-regulation\/practice\/aprn\/campaign-for-consensus\/aprn-consensus-implementation-status\/cns-independent-practice-map.page\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">practice independently in several states<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. A CNS can provide direct patient care but also plays a leadership role in improving overall\u00a0healthcare delivery. Clinical nurse specialists work in hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, private practices and corporations in the health field. They complete training in specialties such as geriatrics, pediatrics, women&#8217;s health, critical care, rehabilitation services, oncology and psychiatric care.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/nursing\/educator\/travel\/salary\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">average salary for staff clinical nurse specialists<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> was $37.24 nationwide, but it varied based on location, per salary data on Vivian Health in late November 2022. For example, CNSs earned between $54 and $79 hourly in California, $50 to $63 in Hawaii and $46 and $64 in the District of Columbia. A <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/nursing\/educator\/travel\/salary\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">travel CNS could expect to earn<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> an average of $3,007 per week during that same period, depending on qualifications and the hiring facility.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><b>Clinical Nurse Specialist <\/b><b>Scope of Practice<\/b><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The responsibilities of a clinical nurse specialist include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul style=\"padding-left: 30px;\">\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Providing primary care to patients in specialized fields\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Performing examinations, ordering diagnostic tests, prescribing medication and developing treatment plans<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Communicating with and educating patients and families<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Developing training programs for nurses and staff<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Assessing processes to recommend best practices and improve standards of care<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Analyzing data, conducting research and developing policies with evidence-based research practices<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Performing clinical research and trials<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4><b>How to Become a CNS<\/b><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To become a CNS, you must:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul style=\"padding-left: 30px;\">\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Be a licensed RN<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Complete an MSN or DNP from an accredited program<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Complete 500 hours of supervised clinical training hours\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/certifications\/cns\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Earn your CNS certification<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> by passing the appropriate exam\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Receive a state license to practice<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Renew your certification every 5 years<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-5899 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/community\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2022\/11\/CRNA-Resized-scaled-e1669151081859.jpg\" alt=\"CRNA\" width=\"1200\" height=\"630\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">CRNAs provide anesthesia to ensure patients undergoing surgery stay asleep or don&#8217;t feel pain if they remain awake during procedures. According to the American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology, about 59,000 nurse anesthetists work in the United States in settings such as hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, emergency rooms, outpatient care centers and the U.S. military. <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/certified-registered-nurse-anesthetist\/travel\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">CRNA jobs<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> are especially critical in rural communities, where\u00a0nurse anesthetists represent 80% of anesthesia professionals.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nurse anesthetists work alongside surgeons, obstetricians, podiatrists, dentists, ophthalmologists and plastic surgeons and<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncsbn.org\/nursing-regulation\/practice\/aprn\/campaign-for-consensus\/aprn-consensus-implementation-status\/crna-independent-practice-map.page\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0can practice independently<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in many states. CRNAs top the list of\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/community\/salary-guides\/top-paying-aprn-specialties\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">best-paid APRNs<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, earning an average of $91 per hour in certain positions. <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/certified-registered-nurse-anesthetist\/travel\/salary\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Travel CRNAs earned<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> an average of $5,980 per week, according to our job board data from late November 2022. However, travel pay varies depending on experience level and the location of the position.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><b>CRNA Scope of Work<\/b><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The responsibilities of a CRNA typically include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul style=\"padding-left: 30px;\">\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Evaluating patients before administration of anesthesia to predict how they might respond\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Selecting and administering initial anesthesia<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Managing anesthesia during the procedure<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Monitoring patient vital signs<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Providing emergency care such as airway management or CPR if required<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Overseeing patient recovery and delivery of additional fluids and blood if required<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Discharging patients once they recover from anesthesia<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4><b>How to Become a CRNA<\/b><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It takes about 8 years to become a\u00a0CRNA. The minimum requirements include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul style=\"padding-left: 30px;\">\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Licensure as an RN or APRN<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">At least 1 year of experience as a registered nurse in a critical care setting<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Completion of an accredited graduate program in nurse anesthesia<\/span>\n<ul style=\"padding-left: 30px;\">\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some CRNAs completed an MSN, but these programs have transitioned into doctoral programs<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">By 2025, all graduates of these programs receive doctoral degrees<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Passing the National Certification Examination to <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/certifications\/crna\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">receive CRNA certification<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Obtaining a state license to practice as a CRNA<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Completion of continuing education requirements to renew your certification every four years<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>Certified Nurse Midwife<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-5900\" src=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/community\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2022\/11\/CNM-Resized-scaled-e1669151037457.jpg\" alt=\"Certified Nurse Midwife\" width=\"1200\" height=\"630\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A certified nurse midwife provides specialized care to women in sexual and reproductive health. They\u2019re most often called upon during pregnancy and childbirth but also meet the health needs of women at different stages of life, such as puberty, adolescence, perimenopause and menopause.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">More than 13,500 nurse midwives work in the United States, according to the American Midwifery Certification Board.\u00a0CNMs may work in hospitals, birthing centers, private practices and community health. Some <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncsbn.org\/index.page\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">states permit\u00a0CNMs to practice independently<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, while others require physician supervision.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">According to Vivian&#8217;s\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/nurse-practitioner\/midwife\/salary\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">salary data for staff CNMs<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in late November 2022, these APRNs earned an average of $53.77 per hour nationwide but had a salary range between $56 and $91 in the highest-paying location. The typical <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/nurse-practitioner\/midwife\/travel\/salary\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">travel\u00a0CNM salary<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> was $3,600 per week during this same period.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><b>Certified Nurse Midwife Scope of Practice<\/b><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The responsibilities of a certified nurse midwife usually include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul style=\"padding-left: 30px;\">\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Counseling patients on family planning and birth control<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Performing gynecological health screenings<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Writing prescriptions<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Testing for STDs<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Providing nutrition counseling<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Monitoring the health of expectant mothers and their babies<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Assisting patients through labor and delivery<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Helping new mothers with breastfeeding<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Providing parenting education on newborn care\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Supporting women through perimenopause and menopause<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4><b>How to Become a CNM<\/b><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To become a certified nurse midwife, you must:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul style=\"padding-left: 30px;\">\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Be a licensed RN<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Complete an MSN or a DNP in an accredited nurse-midwifery program<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Earn your\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/certifications\/cnm\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">CNM certification<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> by passing the American Midwifery Certification Board exam<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Apply for state licensure as a nurse midwife<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Renew your certification every 5 years<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>Transitioning from an RN to an\u00a0APRN<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Whether you&#8217;ve been working as an RN and want to expand your career opportunities or wanted to become an APRN from day one, it&#8217;s important to chart your journey carefully to ensure you meet all the requirements for board certification.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Most graduate programs require a Bachelor of Science in Nursing for admittance. If you have an associate degree, you may be able to enroll in a bridge program.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When choosing a graduate program, you may choose between an MSN or DNP, although a DNP is sometimes required. Confirm which degree is required by both the certifying board and the state where you want to practice. Even if an MSN is accepted, you may find that a DNP offers more career flexibility, as some employers prefer candidates with higher-level degrees. NPs, in particular, may find it easier to move between states as travel nurse practitioners with a\u00a0DNP.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Elevate your career by exploring the latest job openings from top staffing partners on Vivian Health today.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a style=\"background-color: #124e3b; color: #fdfeff; font-size: 20px; border-radius: 10px; padding: 15px; min-height: 30px; min-width: 120px;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/browse-jobs\/landing\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Browse Jobs<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Boost your career options and earning potential by taking your RN skills to the next level.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":7601,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[3],"tags":[373,147,375,313,374,378,376,377,312,290,294,331,303,90],"class_list":["post-5895","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-career-resources","tag-advanced-practice-registered-nurse","tag-aprn","tag-certified-nurse-midwife","tag-certified-registered-nurse-anesthetist","tag-clinical-nurse-specialist","tag-cnm","tag-cnp","tag-cns","tag-crna","tag-discipline","tag-employment","tag-nurse-practitioner","tag-permanent","tag-travel"],"acf":[],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/community\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2023\/11\/NP-at-Laptop-Resized-scaled.jpg","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/community\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5895","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/community\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/community\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/community\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/community\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5895"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/community\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5895\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/community\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/7601"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/community\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5895"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/community\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=5895"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/community\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=5895"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}