Did you know?
Advanced Nurse Practitioners are one of the fastest-growing roles in healthcare, bridging the gap between nursing and medicine while delivering high-level clinical care.
With increased autonomy, extended responsibilities and long clinical shifts, uniforms for Advanced Nurse Practitioners need to support movement, comfort and professionalism.
Here is a clear guide to what an advanced nurse practitioner does, their responsibilities, and how to choose ANP scrubs that actually work on the job.
Quick snapshot: ANPs work autonomously, assess and diagnose patients, prescribe medication and lead clinical decision-making. Their scrubs and uniforms need to match the intensity of the role.
What is an Advanced Nurse Practitioner?
An Advanced Nurse Practitioner (ANP) is a highly trained registered nurse who has completed postgraduate education and advanced clinical training.
ANPs work across hospitals, GP practices, community care and specialist clinics. They often manage patients independently and play a key role in improving access to healthcare services.
Advanced Nurse Practitioners combine nursing expertise with advanced clinical autonomy, decision-making and leadership.
How the Advanced Nurse Practitioner role works in Ireland
In Ireland, Advanced Nurse Practitioners play a key role in delivering autonomous, high-level clinical care across hospitals, GP practices and specialist services. ANPs are registered nurses who have completed postgraduate education and are accredited by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI).
They work independently within agreed scopes of practice, often assessing, diagnosing and managing patients without the need for direct medical oversight. This level of responsibility means nursing uniforms in Ireland for ANPs should support long clinical hours, movement and a consistently professional appearance.
How the Advanced Nurse Practitioner role works in the Ireland
In the Ireland, Advanced Nurse Practitioners work across the HSE and private healthcare settings, particularly in GP surgeries, emergency departments and specialist clinics. They often act as the first point of contact for patients and manage complex clinical presentations.
While regulation and scope can vary between trusts, ANPs in Ireland typically practise with a high degree of autonomy. As a result, nursing uniforms Ireland teams choose for ANPs often prioritise professional polish, practicality and credibility.
Clinical responsibilities of an Advanced Nurse Practitioner
The scope of practice for an ANP can vary by setting, but clinical responsibilities typically include:
- Conducting advanced patient assessments
- Diagnosing conditions and developing treatment plans
- Prescribing medication where authorised
- Ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests
- Managing long-term and complex conditions
- Leading and supporting multidisciplinary teams
On the job reality: ANPs move constantly between consultations, wards and clinical tasks. Uniform comfort and mobility are not optional, they are essential.
Why scrubs matter for Advanced Nurse Practitioners
Unlike many traditional nursing roles, ANPs often combine clinical, administrative and leadership responsibilities within a single shift.
The right ANP scrubs support:
- Mobility during examinations and procedures
- Comfort across long shifts
- Professional authority in patient-facing roles
- Practical storage for tools and devices
Patient perception matters: Clean, well-fitted scrubs reinforce credibility and confidence, particularly in advanced clinical roles.
What ANPs look for in scrubs
Based on buying behaviour and clinical needs, Advanced Nurse Practitioners typically prioritise:
- Stretch fabrics for unrestricted movement
- Breathability for high-pressure environments
- Durability for frequent washing
- Secure pockets for everyday essentials
- Modern, professional cuts that reflect seniority
Scrubs should support performance without distraction, allowing ANPs to focus on patient care.
What scrubs do Advanced Nurse Practitioners typically choose?
Advanced Nurse Practitioners often favour scrubs that balance comfort with a more structured, professional look. Across Ireland and the Ireland, popular choices include:
- Koi Next Gen scrubs for modern, athletic styling and great stretch
- Koi Solis for premium comfort, durability and a polished finish
- Koi Cureology for softness and flexibility during long clinical days
Colour preferences can also be shaped by hospital policy. Many ANPs choose deeper tones like navy, charcoal, wine or hunter green because they look professional and are practical for clinical environments.
Colour matters: Many hospitals use colour-coding to differentiate roles within multidisciplinary teams.
Recommended scrub styles for Advanced Nurse Practitioners
ANPs typically prefer structured, modern scrubs that balance authority and comfort.
- Tailored scrub tops with a professional silhouette
- Stretch trousers for movement during exams
- Minimal bulk with functional pockets
Fit advice: A clean, tailored fit looks professional without restricting movement. Avoid overly loose or overly tight cuts.
How many scrub sets does an ANP need?
Most Advanced Nurse Practitioners find that four to five scrub sets work best for rotation across the week.
- One set worn on shift
- One spare set available
- Two or more sets in rotation or wash
Washing and care for ANP scrubs
Given the clinical nature of the role, scrubs must withstand frequent laundering.
- Wash according to manufacturer guidelines
- Avoid fabric softeners that can reduce breathability over time
- Air dry where possible to maintain fit and shape
Good to know: High-quality scrubs retain colour, stretch and structure even after repeated washes.
Frequently asked questions
Is an Advanced Nurse Practitioner the same as a Nurse Practitioner?
Terminology varies by country and employer. Advanced Nurse Practitioners typically hold postgraduate qualifications and practise with greater autonomy and responsibility.
Can ANPs prescribe medication?
In many settings, yes. Prescribing authority depends on training, regulation and workplace policy.
What colours are best for ANP scrubs?
Navy, charcoal, teal, wine and hunter green are popular choices because they look professional and are practical in clinical environments. Some hospitals also have colour-coding policies by department or role.
Are embroidered scrubs suitable for Advanced Nurse Practitioners?
Yes. Embroidery with name and role can support clear identification and reinforce professional status, especially in patient-facing settings.
Choosing scrubs that support your role
Advanced Nurse Practitioners need scrubs that work as hard as they do. Comfort, mobility and a professional appearance all play a role in delivering high-quality care.
- Koi Cureology for softness and flexibility
- Koi Solis for premium performance
- Koi Next Gen for modern, athletic styling
Advanced Nurse Practitioners and colour-coded uniforms: a real example
Uniform policies can differ between hospitals and are not always standardised nationally. However, colour-coding is commonly used to support clarity and team identification.
During a recent event sponsored by Happythreads at the National Rehabilitation Hospital (NRH), our team spoke with several Advanced Nurse Practitioners about their uniform choices. They explained that they wear Hunter scrubs, mainly because other colours are already assigned to nurses and other professions within the hospital, so they need a colour that clearly differentiates their role.
While this may not be a national standard, it’s a good example of how individual hospitals use colour-coding to support clarity and team identification.