Advanced practice nursing. Part 2--Opportunities and challenges for PNPs

Area of Science:

• Nursing
• Healthcare Policy

Background:

• The evolving landscape of advanced nursing practice necessitates clear role definitions.
• Pediatric nurse practitioners (PNPs) and educators face unique opportunities and challenges within this evolving framework.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the definitions of nurse practitioner (NP), clinical nurse specialist (CNS), and advanced practice nurse (APN).
• To identify similarities and distinctions in role expectations for advanced nursing roles.
• To explore the implications for PNP practice and education.

Main Methods:

• Comparative analysis of existing definitions and role expectations for advanced nursing roles.
• Literature review on the current state of NP and APN definitions.

Main Results:

• Definitions reveal both overlapping responsibilities and unique characteristics among NP, CNS, and APN roles.
• Significant divergence exists in expectations, particularly impacting the trajectory of PNPs.

Conclusions:

• Advanced nursing practice definitions require careful consideration to encompass diverse roles like PNPs.
• PNP practice and educational models must adapt to align with advanced practice nurse standards and maintain leadership legacies.