dvanced practice nurses (APNs) are experts
at clinical assessment, evaluation, diagnosis,
treatment, management, and referral of patients
with complex health care needs. As experts
in patient care who view the patient in a holistic
manner, they must consider the impact that health
care policy creation has on patients and the nursing
profession. APNs have a unique approach to health
care within a nursing framework that must be included
in policies created. In addition, APNs must
take an active role in the formulation of policies that
directly affect professional practice so that nurses are
at the table when new legislation is debated rather
than abdicating this responsibility and leaving it to
other professionals or lobbyists who may not share
the same values as APNs.