Discuss your reflections on the differences in knowledge base of pharmacology and application of this knowledge in a RN practice vs the practice of an APRN.

The difference in Knowledge and Application of Pharmacology by RNs and APRNs
Author’s Name
Institution

Abstract
In the field of nursing today, there is the classification of nurses according to their level of knowledge on specific issues and curriculum. Different types of nurses are associated with different roles and responsibilities. The paper places emphasis on the level of expertise in pharmacology by RNs and APRNs. Each has differing levels on types of medicine, their uses and effects depending on their educational as well as practical level. These differences bring about a difference in the level of performance and perfection in the work each group has been assigned. In this paper, various roles and responsibilities of both groups will be carefully assessed. Their level of knowledge in pharmacology as well performance will also be analyzed. Additionally, there will be a significant consideration of how their knowledge has impacted their level of performance in the nursing field since knowledge and practice are two considerably different perceptions in the modern world.
Keywords: RNs, APRNs, classification, nurses, curriculum
The difference in Knowledge and Application of Pharmacology by RNs and APRNs
RNS and APRNs work in parallel to achieve the set mission which is; the provision of competent and compassionate patient care (White, Dudley-Brown & Terhaar, 2016). However, they have different roles that help them achieve this mission since their level of education is also distinct.

Their knowledge in pharmacology differs given the fact that the APRNs have to specialize in certain areas of operation RNs. RNs usually deliver patient care directly as has been specified in their plan. On the other hand, APRNs usually create the patient care plan themselves alongside other more advanced practitioners. They also supervise the other medical staff such as RNs and assistants in general. APRNs are, therefore, considered more academically equipped than RNs.
In their curriculum, APRNs usually cover more details on pharmacology than RNs. APRNs can; therefore, work with patients for a longer period due to their knowledge in medicine administration (White, Dudley-Brown & Terhaar, 2016). RNs provide the necessary support and care to their patients especially at the bedside thus monitoring their progress. Mostly, their responsibilities include: administering medication to the patients, ordering lab tests, conducting physical assessments on the patients, and operation of various medical equipment. RNs do not receive training on working with a specific group of patients at all. However, there are certain instances where they can look into particular patients. Labor and Delivery RNs, for example, basically help pregnant mothers and newborns (White et al., 2016).
APRNs fulfill all the tasks that RNs perform but have more responsibilities such as making sure that there is coordination in patient care as well as using their specialized knowledge to help manage various conditions of patients (White, Dudley-Brown & Terhaar, 2016). Through medical training, APRNs are more specialized and can be classified into various types. These include: nurse practitioners, certified registered nurse anesthetists, clinical nurse practitioners, and certified nurse midwives (White et al., 2016). Each type of APRN performs specific tasks as required by their qualifications.
For instance; Nurse practitioners evaluate the health of a patient by taking their medical history so as to create a medical care plan, making sure there is coordination during discharge or transfer of patients to other medical units, offer directives to RNs and assistants on collaborative care of patients, and performing medical procedures as well as administering medication where necessary. They also specialize in certain areas such as children, women, and families. On the other hand, certified nurse midwives have specialized in taking care of women. It may be before, during, and after pregnancy. They help women during labor and delivery as well as help in caring for the newborns. They offer to counsel to women and conduct gynecological exams on them as well as offer medication where necessary.
There is a difference in the knowledge and responsibilities of APRNs and RNs. APRNs are associated with much knowledge in pharmacology than the RNs. With their level of specification and knowledge in pharmacology, APRNs can meet the needs of various groups more keenly unlike RNs. However, in as much as APRNs are more qualified, RNs perform more tasks. In most cases, after APRNs initiate a medical plan, they usually delegate their duties to the RNs since they are junior to them. With time, RNs gain more practical knowledge even if they were not trained in their curriculum to handle most specified areas. They become experts in the patient care and administration of medicine in the long run. RNs however, ought to be very careful when administering medication to avoid adverse effects. They should always consult from the more knowledgeable APRNs before making their conclusions.
Reference
White, K. M., Dudley-Brown, S., & Terhaar, M. F. (Eds.). (2016). Translation of evidence into nursing and health care. Springer Publishing Company.