The education of advanced practice nurses: a contemporary approach.

The Advanced Practice Nursing of Adults and the Elderly graduate program at San Diego State University School of Nursing prepares experienced professional nurses with primary and specialized care (acute or critical care) knowledge and skills to deliver health care to adults and elders across practice settings as nurse practitioners and clinical nurse specialists. Emphasis is placed on health care that is research based and congruent with national standards of practice. This approach to graduate education is congruent with recommendations of professional nursing organizations and responds to the educational needs of professional nurses and the health care needs of adult and elders.