Defining NursingNursing is a knowledge-based profession within the health care industry that focuses on the holistic care of individuals. According to the American College of Nurse Practitioners (ACNP), “nurse practitioners are defined as registered nurses who have received advanced nursing and clinical training, which enables them to provide a broad range of health care services preventive and acute to individuals of all. age. They provide high-quality, cost-effective care, often performing physical exams, ordering tests, making diagnoses, and prescribing and managing medications and therapies.” Nurse practitioners are able to specialize in a particular area, such as family and adult practice, pediatrics, and women's health; and refer patients to another specialist if necessary. Some nurse practitioners work under the supervision of a physician; while others run their own practice. Training requirements and what are the licensing, certification and registration requirements? Most APNs or NPs have a master’s degree; however, member institutions of the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) have voted to change the current level of advanced nursing practice preparation from a master's degree to a doctoral degree by 2015.” “A person who wishes to apply for a license must meet the following requirements: a complete application, pass the NCLEX, provide any information on a felony or misdemeanor conviction, any drug-related behavior, deficit in functional capacity, and Virginia license fees State Board of Nursing.” Most nurses gain their clinical experience working as a nurse before enrolling in a nurse practitioner graduate program, but once they have gained significant experience as a nurse, they need to. ..... middle of paper ...... years before applying for my dermatology nurse certification. After working for the required time, I will then pursue my MSN/APN and then the DNP. I am not setting a completion date because I would like to enjoy my time as a student, while gaining my education and experience. My long term goal is to work independently and open my own hair loss practice. Works CitedMary E. Muscari, Phd, CPNP, APRN-BC, Becoming a Nurse, (LearningExpress, LLC, 2009), 102.Mary E . Muscari, Phd, CPNP, APRN-BC, Becoming a Nurse, 7.http://www.dhp.virginia.gov/nursing/nursing_forms.htm#RNhttp://www.bls.gov/ooh/Healthcare/Registered. -nurses.htm#tab-5http://www.bls.gov/ooh/Healthcare/Registered-nurses.htm#tab-6Mary E. Muscari, Phd, CPNP, APRN-BC, Becoming a Nurse, xiv.Mary E Muscari , Phd, CPNP, APRN-BC, Become a nurse., 30.