What is the difference if any between an Advanced Practice Nurse, Nurse Practitioner, and Family Nurse Practit
Asked by Tari17
I would like to know the differences between the different types of nurse practitioners. Also, Clinical Nurse Specialists, what makes them so different? Is there any difference between an advanced practice nurse and a nurse practitioner? and/or a family nurse practitioner? Thanks in advance. Any information would be appreciated.

Best Answer:
Jill has been basically correct, except that there are hospital based nurse practitioners. The Acute Care Nurse Practitioner works much like an intensivist and is occupied in ICUs and CCUs, and Neonatal Nurse Practitioners work in the newborn nursery setting. Psychiatric NPs may work with ambulatory or inpatient patients. The other NPs may make rounds in inpatient facilities as required by their position. Additionally, dependent on the state in which the nurse practitioner practices, they may or may not have a collaborating physician. There are states in which nurse practitioners open their own offices and have their own patient panels. The only requirement being that they must have a referral system set up for patients. Again as has been stated, a nurse who works in an expanded role beyond the traditional functions of the RN is considered an advanced practice nurse. This includes, midwifes, nurse anesthetist, nurse practitioners, and clinical nurse specialist. The different types of nurse practitioners are basically based on the populations they see. Family Nurse Practitioners - All ages, generally acute minor and stable chronic conditions. They see a large number of same day patients, and may see any medical condition which comes through the door, but refer those with nonroutine conditions to specialty care. They also perform well woman and routine ob care as well as well child and infant care and care of the elderly if stable. (May also be seen working in specialty clinics if educated for the specialty) Similar role to a Family Practice Physician. Adult Nurse Practitioners - Generally work in Internal Medicine Clinics. They see patients over 18 years old. They will see same day as well as chronic conditions. Often the patients will have overlapping chronic conditions and may be less stable. (May also be seen in specialty clinics) Similar role to an Internal Medicine Physician Pediatric Nurse Practitioner - Works in pediatric settings seeing patients up to 18 years old. Often sees children with more significant pediatric conditions than would be seen in a family medicine clinic. (May also specialize but will not see patients over 18 even if in a specialty situation) Similar role to a Pediatrician. Womens Health NP - (Sometimes called OB/GYN NP) they work primarily in OB/GYN settings, fertility and family planning clinics. Primary focus is on family planning, womens health and routine OB care. Similar to an OB/GYN Physician except they do not deliver infants or perform surgical procedures. Neonatal NP - Works in a newborn nursery with infants, generally caring for infants who are less critical than those followed by neonatal intensivist. Similar role to a Neonatologist Acute Care NP- Often confused with the Clinical Nurse Specialist, they work in ICUs and CCUs with critically ill patients, usually in conjucntion with a hospital-based intensivist. Similar role to an Intensivist Geriatric NP- Works with patients over 60 years of age, usually on multiple medications with overlapping medical conditions, also often makes rounds at long term nursing facilities. Similar role to a Geriatrician Psychiatric NP- work with patients with mental health concerns, in ambulatory and inpatient settings. Similar role to a Psychiatrist.
RN, Ph.D., CFNP
Answered by US_DR_JD

An Advanced Practice Nurse is a generic umbrella term that refers to all the others you mentioned - Nurse Practitioner, Clinical Nurse Specialists, etc. Nurse Practitioners and Clinical Nurse Specialists both earn Master's degrees in nursing in a particular area. Nurse Practitioners usually focus on a population group, so there are Neonatal Nurse Practitioners, Pediatric Nurse Practitoners, Family Nurse Practitioners, Womens Health Nurse Practitioners, etc. Clinical Nurse Specialists are similar to NPs but focus on a condition group as opposed to a population group, so, for example, a Clinical Nurse Specialist in Cardiology, or Obstetrics, or Oncology. Both are more autonomous in their work, but are not entirely independent, they still work in association with physicians or clinics. Some may act more like primary care providers and have their own patients they see in clinic - usually NPs function more in this capacity, while CNSs are usually based in the hospital doing acute care work. Hope that helps.
Answered by Jill