The Role of the Family Nurse Practitioner
Historically, there have been many instances in American history where legislation and
medicine allowed Advanced Practice Nurses (APN) to serve in expanded roles or definitions
(Delgado, 2014). This was especially true in areas that were poor or underserved (Delgado,
2014). It is also possible to look back in history and see a direct relationship with times of
increased demand for care, (i.e. war, economic depression), and the increased roles allowed and
assumed by APN’s.