Today people are living longer than ever. The discovery of new technology, innovative medicines, science, and research all play apart of that. An increase in aging population is one of the most dramatic demographic trends in the world today. Many elders present many complex diseases and require complex care and disease management. The challenge also presents many opportunities in the healthcare field and a shortage of providers in rural areas. The roles for advanced practice nursing (APN) have been introduced since the late nineteenth century till the present (Hamric, Spross, and Hanson, 2009, p. 3). These roles include certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs), certified nurse-midwives (CNMs), clinical nurse specialists (CNSs), and nurse practitioners (NPs) (Hamric, Spross, and Hanson, 2009, p. 3). Building credibility and defining practice of APN roles did not firmly establish until in late 1970s (Hamric, Spross, and Hanson, 2009, p. 17).

In 1992, the American Nurse Association (ANA) established Healthcare Reform which focused on restructuring the United States healthcare system to reduce costs and improve access to care (Hamric, Spross, and Hanson, 2009, p. 23). Today APNs face many challenges as they strive to be recognized by members of the society. The current issues faced by APNs are discussed below and this information is based on Advanced Practice Nursing: An Integrative Approach (4th ed.). Read the rest of this entry »