A framework for advanced practice nursing

Area of Science:

• Nursing Science
• Health Policy
• Healthcare Education

Background:

• Existing literature on advanced nursing practice lacks a unifying conceptual framework.
• A structured framework is essential for developing health care policy, educational curricula, role definitions, and research agendas in advanced nursing.
• Current discourse requires organization to advance the field of advanced nursing practice.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose a broad, comprehensive conceptual framework for advanced nursing practice.
• To synthesize previous work and provide an integrative model for the field.
• To define the core components and domains of advanced practice nursing.

Main Methods:

• Integrative synthesis of existing empirical and expository literature on advanced nursing practice.
• Development of a definition based on key characteristics of advanced practice.
• Identification of core domains within advanced nursing practice.

Main Results:

• A proposed conceptual framework organizing advanced nursing practice.
• Definition of advanced practice nursing focusing on nurse-client interface clinical services, nursing orientation, dynamic scope, and graduate education competencies.
• Identification of three key domains: advanced clinical practice, healthcare systems management, and professional involvement in healthcare discourse.

Conclusions:

• The proposed framework offers a cohesive structure for advanced nursing practice.
• This framework supports the development of consistent policies, curricula, and research.
• It provides a foundation for understanding and advancing the multifaceted roles within advanced nursing.