Nurse Practitioner (NP):

• NPs are the most common type of APRN. They provide primary, acute, and specialty care across the lifespan by assessing, diagnosing, and treating illnesses and injuries.
• NPs can prescribe medications, order and interpret tests, and manage chronic conditions. They can practice in various specialties, such as family practice, pediatrics, adult gerontology, and mental health.

Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS):

• CNSs are expert clinicians who provide specialized care in a particular area of nursing, such as oncology, critical care, or pediatrics. 
• They focus on providing direct patient care, consulting with other healthcare providers, conducting research, and educating other nurses. 

Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM):

• CNMs provide primary, reproductive, and gynecological health care to women, including prenatal care, childbirth, and postpartum care.
• They also provide contraception counseling, STI screening, and menopause management. 

Nurse Educator:

• Nurse educators work in academic or clinical settings to train nursing students and current nursing staff. 
• They play a vital role in developing and implementing educational programs to ensure nurses have the necessary knowledge and skills.

Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA):

• CRNAs provide anesthesia care to patients undergoing surgery or other invasive procedures.
• They assess patients’ needs, administer anesthesia medications, monitor patients’ vital signs during procedures, and manage potential complications.

APRNs are in high demand, and the job outlook for these positions is excellent. APRNs are well-positioned to shape the future of nursing practice and improve patient outcomes with their advanced education, clinical expertise, and leadership skills.

Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA):

• They provide direct patient care, such as bathing, dressing, feeding, and assisting with ambulation. CNAs also help with patient hygiene, perform vital signs measurements, and monitor patients’ overall condition.
• They work under the supervision of licensed nurses and play an important role in assisting with daily care tasks.

Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN):

• LPNs are licensed nurses who provide a broader scope of care than CNAs.
• They can administer medications, take vital signs, perform basic nursing procedures, and provide wound care.
• They also work under the supervision of licensed nurses but have more responsibilities and autonomy in patient care.

Staff Nurse or Registered Nurse (RN):

• This is the most common entry-level nursing position.
• Staff nurses work in various healthcare settings, such as hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities.
• They provide direct patient care, administer medications, collaborate with healthcare teams, and monitor patients’ conditions.

Validating Nursing Education and Licensure:

• Credential evaluation services thoroughly review and verify the educational transcripts, diplomas, and nursing licenses obtained by FENs in their home countries.
• This process ensures that their nursing education meets the minimum curriculum requirements and licensure standards set by the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS).

Equivalency Determination:

• Credential evaluation services go beyond mere verification and provide a detailed assessment of the equivalency of FENs’ credentials to the US standards.
• They evaluate the coursework, clinical training, and licensure requirements of the FENs’ nursing education and compare them to the corresponding provisions in the US.

Enhancing Employability:

• With an official credential evaluation report, FENs can demonstrate to potential employers and regulatory bodies that their nursing education and licensure meet the standards of the US healthcare system.
• This improves their employability and increases their chances of securing nursing positions in the US.

Enabling Licensure Eligibility:

• By validating and equating FENs’ credentials, credential evaluation services can make them eligible for licensure in the US.
• This allows them to practice nursing legally and pursue career advancement opportunities in the US healthcare system.