[The transition from the role of generalist nurse to advanced practice: a narrative review]

The transition from the role of generalist nurse to advanced: a narrative review.

While awaiting the interministerial decrees that will define the role of clinical specialist nurses with master's degree in Italy, the challenges and strategies documented in other countries regarding the transition from generalist to advanced/specialist roles have been described.

To analyze: 1. the experiences and perceptions of generalist nurses transitioning to an advanced/specialist/practitioner role (hereafter advanced), 2. the factors influencing this transition, and 3. facilitating strategies.

A narrative review in PubMed, CINAHL, and the COCHRANE Library was conducted. Eligible studies included primary and secondary research published in English or Italian in the last five years that reported experiences and/or documented barriers, facilitators, and strategies supporting the transition.

Eleven studies were included. Nurses' experienced ambiguity in role identity, inadequacy, and stress, especially in the initial phase, which can lead to isolation, anxiety, and frustration. Facilitating factors included role clarity, educational and organizational support, availability of trained tutors, and positive feedback from patients and colleagues. Major barriers were the lack of regulations, limited recognition by doctor and nurses, and variability in organizational and legislative policies. Facilitating strategies were a solid and immersive university training, robust mentoring systems, professional support networks, a favorable organizational culture, and documentation of positive experiences.

The individual efforts that each nurse undertakes to establish in the new role must be supported by systemic strategies at the organizational, professional, and educational levels, to facilitate recognition, legitimacy, and value of advanced practice.