Advanced nursing practice in paediatric critical care

Following the successful implementation of High Dependency Care: a model for development at King's College hospital in 2005, the authors wished to consider the addition of a fourth tier to the model. A review of the clinical environment was undertaken and it was suggested that the introduction of an advanced nurse practitioner could contribute to the education and continuation of the outreach service detailed in the model, as well as to the improvement of critical care services and career development opportunities for nurses within the unit. A survey was undertaken to identify the views of medical and nursing staff about essential roles and responsibilities of advanced nurse practitioners in this area. This would then direct the development of a teaching and competency programme that could promote advanced practice in the critical care environment. There was no consensus on the tasks advanced nurse practitioners can undertake, the appropriate mentors in the clinical environment, the level of education they must achieve, nor the time in which this should be completed. There was confusion about the qualifications required for advanced nursing practice, mentorship and training. However, there was support for this role and respondents confirmed the view that advanced nursing practiced would be beneficial in patient care delivery.