The evolving role of advanced practice nursing within the new Veteran's Health Administration

The Veteran's Health Administration (VHA) is experiencing profound change in focus and organization of service delivery. The focus of the evolving VHA system includes improvements in performance outcomes, such as actual costs, better access, higher levels of customer satisfaction, and improved functional status of patients. Given the changing nature of service delivery in the VHA system and the contributions of the Advanced Practices Nurses (APNs), this article explores the expanding role of the APN within the VHA and presents a best practice model for achieving the full potential of advanced nursing practice.