Nursing Roles

All nurses carry out tasks related to patient care, but some require specialization as an advanced practice provider. Test how well you know the commonalities and differences by sorting the items below according to whether they apply to both an RN and an APRN (Advanced Practice Registered Nurse) or only an APRN.

Click or tap on a statement, then on the appropriate category to place it.

Prescribe medication
Collaborate with other care providers
Advocate for patient needs
Conduct specialized research
Educate patients on care plan
Assess patient needs
Complete a graduate degree
Administer medication
Can provide primary care without physician oversight
Complete an undergraduate nursing degree

Both RN and APRN

APRN Only

RNs and APRNs do share many of the same tasks, and all APRNs started as RNs. Where they differ is largely in how much autonomy they have to act without oversight and the degree to which they gain extensive, specialized knowledge.