Advanced practice psychiatric nursing: a national profile.
The results of a national survey of Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurses (APPN) are presented. Results are based on the Society for Education and Research in Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing's (SERPN) Primary Mental Health and Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nursing monograph. Characteristics of the nurses, the clients they serve, and their practice patterns are described. Documenting the cost-effectiveness of these practitioners and increasing the number of younger APPNs is recommended.