Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) are licensed nurses with post-graduate education and training in nursing. They provide primary and/or specialty nursing and medical care in ambulatory, acute, and long-term care settings. APRNs may practice autonomously and/or in coordination with healthcare professionals and other individuals. Master's, post-master's, or doctoral preparation and national board certification are required for entry-level practice. There are four types of APRNs. These include nurse practitioners, certified nurse midwives, registered nurse anesthetists, and clinical nurse specialists. This site currently features policy information for nurse practitioners and certified nurse midwives.

Profession: Nurse Practitioner Practice Authority in the State of Alabama.

Duties

- Provide professional medical oversight and direction to the certified registered nurse practitioner.

- Be readily available for direct communication or by radio, telephone, or telecommunications.

- Be readily available for consultation or referrals of patients from the certified registered nurse practitioner.

- Be readily available at each remote practice.

As a leader, what risks might present in overseeing employees who are APRNs?

As a leader for Certified registered nurse practitioners, they are subject to practice agreements with a physician. Collaboration requires professional oversight and direction as required by the rules and regulations of the State Board of Medical Examiners and the Board of Nursing (ABNC, 2022). The agreement must include practice sites, prescription orders, and quality assurance (ABNC, 2022). This collaboration does not require direct, on-site supervision of the activities of a certified registered nurse practitioner by the collaborating physician (ABNC, 2022).

Alabama Board of Nursing Administrative Code. (2022). ADVANCED PRACTICE NURSING - COLLABORATIVE PRACTICE. http://www.alabamaadministrativecode.state.al.us/docs/nurs/610-X-5.pdf.