Title Change from NP to APRN

Our thanks to NAPNAP's Program Manager, Heather Keesing, MSN, APRN, for providing the answer to this question.

Question: Please help me understand why NAPNAP uses the credential APRN (Advanced Practiced Registered Nurse) in the new strategic plan. Isn't NAPNAP an organization for PNPs?

Answer: In developing the strategic direction, NAPNAP's Executive Board felt that it was very important to be inclusive of the many professionals who provide health care to children and their families and who may want to join NAPNAP. If the strategic plan lists only PNPs, it might exclude individuals who are interested in joining, but who have credentials such as family nurse practitioner (FNP), pediatric clinical nurse specialists (CNS), acute care pediatric nurse practitioners (ACPNP), neonatal nurse practitioners (NNP), school nurse practitioners (SNP) and others. NAPNAP recognizes that all NP programs (including PNP programs) build on RN programs and experience, so the term "Advanced Practice Registered Nurse" or "APRN" reflects the foundation that NPs in all specialty areas have. NAPNAP recognizes the unique educational background of PNPs and views the PNP as a specialty under the umbrella term APRN.

Please note that using the inclusive term APRN in the NAPNAP Strategic Direction does not mean that NAPNAP advocates for using this term in clinical settings. One of the barriers that nurse practitioners face is lack of recognition by consumers, legislators and the media. Some suggest using a single credential, often recommended as "NP", in order to establish a professional classification to help nurse practitioners clearly identify themselves. The complex variety of initials that nurse practitioners use for credentials can be confusing to many. In order for others to recognize nurse practitioners, a movement to encourage nurse practitioners to use a simple uniform set of initials to identify ourselves has been initiated by some, but not all nurse practitioners are in agreement. NAPNAP continues to monitor this movement and will keep our members apprised of any specific recommendations related to this suggestion.