Clinical expertise in advanced practice nursing: a Canadian perspective

The need to articulate clearly the definition and description of advanced nursing practice is critical if the nursing profession is to move forward in the development of nursing practice. Concern arises when the core of advanced practice nursing is overshadowed with medical functions. Consensus on the educational preparation of advanced practice nurses, explication of the nature of clinical expertise in advanced practice, and clarity of its nature are issues that the nursing profession must achieve greater precision in understanding and explaining. Advanced practice nurses must be able to practice in a milieu that will allow them to function to their full scope of practice.