The role of an APN varies according to their specialty, however most provide a multitude of services for patients in employment settings, clinical care settings, retirement communities, hospitals and even schools (ANA, 2005). .

             Because most people are familiar with the term nurse practitioner or NP, we'll examine the role of a NP more closely. A NP usually works within a clinical setting, private office, and hospital or in a nursing home (ANA, 2005). Many are specialized in a specific field like pediatrics or obstetrics. NP's conduct a variety of medical care tasks, which may include diagnosis, comprehensive medical histories, physical examinations, interpretation of labs or X-rays and patient education (ANA, 2005). Nurse Midwives on the other hand provide gynecologic and obstetric care for women including prenatal care and labor and delivery care (ANA, 2005). Certified nurse midwifes represent one of the fastest growing areas of APN practice in recent years (ANA, 2005). .

             The role of the APN also includes psychological support for patients and their family members. Nurses generally engage in much more intimate relationships with patients in many situations than primary care providers or physicians. They often have the opportunity to talk more to patients about their histories, current environment, lifestyle and needs, wants and desires with regard to health care practices (Lumby, 2004). This intimate bond opens many avenues for support and growth within the healthcare profession as nurses begin realizing new ways of meeting patient needs and offering the highest possible level of quality care.

             Lumby (2004) suggests that the term advance practice nurse or even nurse practitioner is one that is controversial at bet because the term 'practitioner' specifically has usually been reserved for doctors. The author also points out that all nurses "are practitioners of nursing" regardless of their skills or expertise (Lumby, 40).