This thoroughly updated edition provides comprehensive content to prepare students for all advanced practice roles. It includes content needed for graduate courses on the role of the advanced practice nurse and transition to professional practice. It also encompasses the essential information on the multifaceted role of the advanced practice nurse, placing the clinical content within the reality of the practice arena. The text will be used by all graduate students enrolled in core courses on the role of the advanced practice nurse and transition to professional practice. It encompasses the four major advanced practice roles: nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist, nurse midwife, and nurse anesthetists. The text reflects competencies identified by the key organizations for advanced practice nursing, including the National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties, National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists, American Association of Nurse Anesthetists, American College of Nurse Midwives, and American Association of Colleges of Nursing.