The evolution of advanced practice nursing in the United States: caring for women and newborns.

The evolution of advanced practice nurses to care for women and newborns has its roots in public health nursing of the latter decades of the 19th century. As we consider the challenges of practicing as advanced practice nurses in the 21st century, it is instructive to look back on 100 years of creating new programs and systems for delivering care. Such reflection helps us to clear our vision to imagine the future.