Advanced Practice Nursing in Brazil: how are we and what is missing?

Abstract

Objective: To reflect on the role and initiatives of the Brazilian Nursing Association (ABEn) and the Federal Nursing Council (Cofen) in the development, recognition, and regulation necessary to implement advanced practice nursing (APN) in Brazil. Method: This is a theoretical-reflective essay resulting from the roundtable discussion entitled “Regulation and recognition of advanced nursing practices in Brazil: how are we and what is missing” held in May 2021, at the III International Symposium on Adult Health. Results: ABEn and Cofen are strategic partners to define the areas of activity of this specialization in Brazil. Nursing organizations are responsible for defining professional profiles and curricula, advanced practice nursing conditions, and adequacy of existing graduate courses aiming at technical support, political leadership, regulation, and construction of an APN foundation in Brazil. Conclusion: Brazil must broaden the national debate on APN, define a training model for it, and articulate efforts with all its strategic partners to build a theoretical, political, and labor framework for advanced practice nurses’ full professional practice.