About Us

"Advanced Practice Provider" refers to physician assistants (PA) and Advanced practice registered nurses (APRN). There are several types of APRNs including nurse practitioners (NP), clinical nurse specialists (CNS), Nurse Midwives (CNM) and nurse anesthetists (CRNA).

Both PAs and APRNs are independently licensed providers able to work in hospitals, physician offices, surgery centers, and nursing homes. They fill gaps in patient care and help extend the doctor's reach.

PA education is masters prepared and focused on the medical model of preparation. PAs have a more generalized education background, but can also specialize in areas like emergency medicine, orthopedics and general surgery. PAs work under a supervising physician.

The APRN model draws from the nursing tradition and requires at least a master's degree in nursing, although the terminal degree is a doctorate. Because they focus on overall health and wellness, NPs often specialize in several specialty areas depending on their population focus and education. These include areas such as geriatrics, pediatrics, mental health and women's health. APRNs work with physicians utilizing a Collaborative Practice Agreement (CPA).

The CNMs are educated in graduate-level midwifery programs and pass a national certification exam.

The CRNAs are advanced practice registered nurses with graduate level education, who administers anesthesia for surgery or other medical procedures in collaboration with physician.

The CNS is an advanced practice registered nurse who can provide expert advice related to specific conditions or treatment pathways.

What We Do

• Perform history and physical examinations
• Evaluate, diagnose, and develop treatment plans
• Assess, diagnose and monitor, promote health and protection from disease, and manage patient within age group of collaborating/supervising physician(s).
• Provide care as an extension of collaborator/supervising physician(s) within the physician specialty
• Counsel and instruct patients, families and caregivers as appropriate
• Consult and collaborate with other healthcare providers as necessary.
• Initiate appropriate referrals
• Direct care as specified by medical staff approved protocols
• Implement therapeutic intervention for specific conditions when appropriate
• Order and initial interpretation of diagnostic testing and therapeutic modalities such as laboratory tests, medications, hemodynamic monitoring, treatments, IV fluids, EMG, EKG and radiologic examinations
• Prescribing of medications as allowed by Indiana State Law
• Record progress notes, histories and physicals, procedure notes, and consultation notes, and discharge summaries
• Assist physician with procedures as appropriately trained and proctored

Where the APP is working at Deaconess