advanced practice nurse
(ad-VANST PRAK-tis ...)
A registered
nurse who has additional education and training in how to diagnose and treat
disease.
Advanced practice nurses are licensed at the
state level and certified by national nursing
organizations. In cancer care, an advanced practice nurse may manage the
primary care of patients and their families, based on a practice agreement with a doctor. Also called APN, NP, and nurse practitioner.