Advanced practice nurses (APNs) have extra training and additional responsibilities beyond those of a regular registered nurse. APNs can perform many of the same job duties as doctors, including diagnosing patients and prescribing medications. As an APN, you can specialize your skills in one of four areas: nurse practitioner (NP), nurse anesthetist, nurse midwife, and clinical nurse specialist. In rural areas, you may serve as a primary health care provider in your community. However, you must refer extreme or special needs cases to physicians or specialist doctors.