American Academy of Nursing: Improving health and health care systems with advanced practice registered nurse practice in acute and critical care settings.

Patients in acute care hospitals receive more than 18 million days of intensive care unit care annually at an estimated cost of nearly 1% of the gross domestic product (Health Research Services Administration [HRSA], 2006). A significant need for acute/critical care services remains, especially in the context of an aging American population. Advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) working in acute care settings are well positioned and well prepared to reduce health care costs while improving access, addressing health systems issues, and providing high-quality care.