Transitioning from childhood to young adulthood can be challenging as the degree of independence increases. Fusar-Poli et al. (2021) explain that in this stage of development, the concepts of individualism, self-realization and personal expression have increased, leading to a change in behavior, the excitement to try on new things hence the increased rate of health-damaging behaviors and higher rates of mortality. Many young adults follow the path of destruction because they lack personal, family and social resources to navigate the initial stages of adulthood, resulting in unconventional behaviors that most have permanent consequences. Advanced practice nurses can play a critical role in improving the lives of young adults as part of the healthcare resources available to them. This can be done through awareness creation as a preventive intervention, providing comprehensive treatment during primary care visits, including screening and advocating for policy changes to include preventive health measures for young adults.

Advanced practice nurses can improve the health of young adults by creating awareness of the available preventive screening and intervention resources available to them. The US Preventive Services Task Force includes recommendations for preventive services for different populations, including young adults. For example, the USPSTF recommends behavioral counseling for all sexually active adolescents and adults to reduce the risks of STIs and unwanted pregnancies (Reynolds et al., 2019). Thus, the nurse can use the recommendation provided by such agencies to create social media content, organize health-youth campaigns and meetings at school and at the community level and other platforms where the nurse interacts directly with the young adults. During such interactions, the nurse can discuss the adverse consequences of some of the risky behaviors this population is often involved in, including substance use abuse as a prevention intervention.

During primary care visits, the advanced practice nurse can ensure that young adults receive comprehensive care, including preventive services. Krist et al. (2020) explain that most young adults are treated for what has taken them to the hospital with little concern for preventive measures similar to the ones provided for the elderly, women, children and adults. Providing preventive services is important to this population because their health problems are largely preventable. Some preventive services that the nurses can advocate include counseling services that remind the individuals of the delicacy of their stage of development, for example, high risks of peer pressure to drug abuse or unsafe sexual activities. Krist et al. (2020) explain that these services are often included in various medical plans as recommended by the USPSTF and the Affordable Care Act. Therefore, instead of just treating them with the ailment that brought them to the hospital, the nurse can ensure they go the extra mile by recommending counselors and providing flyers and other educational material as part of preventive services.

Consequently, advanced practice nurses can improve the health of young adults through policy advocacy. Having laws and policies supporting preventive services for young adults will prompt relevant healthcare stakeholders to provide the services and interventions. Some effective policies associated with young adults' health include extending eligibility to continue using their guardian's healthcare plan to ensure they receive comprehensive healthcare services. Further, the nurse can advocate for schools to ensure that young adults receive counseling services as a school prepares them for adulthood.