About Us
The History of The Society of Psychiatric Advanced Practice Nurses began in 1968 when 6 Master's Prepared Nurses wanted to begin to see patients privately. They were all Alumni of Rutgers University who were students of Hildegard Peplau.
After passing an examination and presenting a case reviewed by peers, the first Induction Ceremony took place in 1972 in West Orange. Ongoing peer supervision was a requirement. Eventually, the American Nurses Association took over the credentialing and titled Master's Prepared Psychiatricnurses as Clinical Specialists.
In 1983, Blue Cross/Blue Shield provided insurance coverage for Clinical Specialists. In 1994, the name changed to Advanced Practice Nurses and prescriptive authority was granted for psychotropic non-controlled substances. In August 2004, controlled substances were added to the list of psychotropics that could be prescribed.
Our Mission:
to foster excellence in psychiatric advanced practice nursing
Our Purpose:
to provide ongoing support to our members
Our Goals:
to advocate high quality professional care to clients, their families and the community by: