Which type of nurse is educated at the graduate level and specializes in a specific area of nursing?

The correct choice is the Advanced Practice Nurse, as this role is defined by a higher level of education, typically a master's degree or higher, and focuses on specialized areas within nursing. Advanced Practice Nurses often have the ability to perform complex assessments, make diagnoses, and initiate treatment plans. This designation includes roles such as Nurse Practitioners, Clinical Nurse Specialists, Nurse Anesthetists, and Nurse Midwives, all of whom possess advanced training in their specific fields. Their extensive education equips them with the knowledge and skills necessary to manage patient care in specialized settings, bridging the gap between traditional nursing roles and advanced clinical practice.

In contrast, Registered Nurses and Licensed Practical Nurses have different educational pathways and do not require graduate-level training. Registered Nurses complete a bachelor's or associate degree, while Licensed Practical Nurses typically finish a diploma or certificate program. While Nurse Practitioners are included under the broader category of Advanced Practice Nurses and fulfill specialized roles, the terms are not synonymous since Nurse Practitioners represent just one subset of Advanced Practice Nurses.