What is an ARNP?

An Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner (ARNP) is one type of advanced practice nurse. There are four different types of advanced practice nurses: Nurse Practitioners, Certified Nurse Midwives, Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists, and Clinical Nurse Specialists.

Nurse Practitioners (NPs) are Registered Nurses who completed additional education and training; a Master’s degree or Doctorate degree in nursing. Their degree can be broad such as Family, or more specific such as Pediatric/Neonatal, Adult-Gerontology, Women’s Health, or Psychiatric.

NPs are licensed in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. In Washington State, the ARNP license allows NPs to work as Primary Care Providers (PCPs) and care for a broad range of patients and conditions. NPs can work in independent practice or in a partnership with a physician.

Working autonomously and in collaboration with other health care professionals, NPs provide a full range of primary, acute and specialty health care services, including:

• Managing overall patient care (as a PCP)
• Ordering, performing and interpreting diagnostic tests such as lab work, x-rays and advanced imaging.
• Diagnosing and treating acute and chronic conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, infections, injuries, etc.
• Prescribing medications, and other treatments.
• Counseling and educating patients on medications, disease prevention, and positive health and lifestyle choices