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Frequently Asked Questions
What is an advanced practice nurse (APN)?
An advanced practice nurse is a master's or doctorally prepared nurse
practitioner who is licensed by the State of New York to practice independently
in collaboration with a physician. APNs have unrestricted prescriptive
authority and the full diagnostic and treatment capabilities needed for
primary care. The APNs who are faculty members at Columbia University School
of Nursing and who practice at CAPNA (Columbia Advanced Practice Nurse Associates)
have admitting privileges to New York Presbyterian Hospital. APN's are
called nurse practitioners in New York State.
What type of training does an APN have?
APNs have master’s or doctoral degrees that include extensive education
in adult, OB/GYN, or pediatric primary care, as well as advanced
courses including physiology, pharmacology, physical and psychological
assessment, and clinical training. All Nurse Practitioners (NPs) at CAPNA
have national certification in their specialties, which attests to their
high competence and quality. The CAPNA NPs also have minimum of four years
of clinical practice.
How does a CAPNA NP differ from a physician who provides primary
care?
The nursing model emphasizes prevention, community-based care, education,
and management of chronic disease. NPs offer a broader range of health
promotion strategies for disease prevention and have education and expertise
as health educators.
How long has CAPNA been in existence?
Columbia University School of Nursing faculty have been involved in scholarly
practices reflective of their specialties for 19 years. CAPNA was opened
in 1998.
Are advanced practice nurses credentialed as primary care providers?
Yes, Nurse Practitioners are fully credentialed as primary care providers
and may be selected from managed care provider lists.