Defining Nursing Nursing is a knowledge-based profession in healthcare that focuses on the general care of individuals. According to the American College of Nurse Practitioners (ACNP), “defines nurse practitioners as registered nurses who have received graduate-level nursing education and clinical training, which enables them to provide a broad range of preventive and acute health services to individuals of all ages. They provide high-quality, cost-effective care, often performing physical exams, ordering tests, making diagnoses, and prescribing and managing medications and therapies.” Nurse practitioners may specialize in a particular area, such as adult and family practice, pediatrics, and women's health; and refer patients to other specialists when necessary. Some nurses work under the supervision of a doctor; while others manage their own practices. Education requirements and what are the licensing, certification and registry 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 preparation for advanced nursing practice from a master's degree to a doctorate by 2015.” “An individual wishing to apply for a license must meet the following requirements; a complete application, pass the NCLEX, provide information on any felony or misdemeanor convictions, any drug-related behavior, functional ability deficits, and licensing fees to the Virginia State Board of Nursing.” Most nurses gain their clinical experience by working as a nurse practitioner before entering a graduate nurse practitioner program, but once they gain significant experience as a nurse practitioner...half of the paper......years before to apply for my dermatology nurse certification. After working for the necessary time, I will continue with my MSN/APN and then the DNP. I will not set a date for completion 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 Cited Mary 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, Becoming a nurse, 30.