Achieving maximal utilization of an advanced practice council

In the James A. Haley Veterans' Hospital, it became increasingly apparent to those in advanced practice roles that a forum was needed to provide a supportive milieu in which nursing staff in expanded and advanced practice roles could come together and discuss the clinical needs of patients and nursing practice issues. Using a dynamic theoretical framework based upon the identification of need for such a forum, an Advanced Practice Council was established to: (1) enhance an understanding of the advanced practice role; (2) promote consultation, support, and networking among Council members; (3) facilitate and refine communication systems; (4) share new ideas; (5) collaborate for research; (6) contrast methods of practice; and (7) increase consultation services. The current activities of this group focus around role clarification and utilization. Peer review of advanced practice roles, for example, has been explored by the council and is in the stages of implementation. Future activities include examining the effects of expanded roles on staff practice and patient care, expanding standards of clinical nursing practice, and facilitating the autonomy of nursing practice through a privileging process.