Nurse Practitioner competency standards: Findings from collaborative Australian and New Zealand research

Abstract

Generic standards for nurse practitioner practice will support a standardised approach and mutual recognition of nurse practitioner authorisation across the two countries. Additionally, these research outcomes can more generally inform education providers, authorising bodies and clinicians on the standards of practice for the nurse practitioner whilst also contributing to the current international debate on nurse practitioner standards and scope of practice.

Financial viability, benefits and challenges of employing a nurse practitioner in general practice

“…[1][2][3][4][5][6][7] Since the profession's birth in the USA in the 1960s, its model has extended to~70 countries worldwide, including the United Kingdom, Canada, New Zealand and Australia. 8 The profession's aim is to improve access to treatment, provide cost-effective care, target at-risk populations, provide outreach services to rural and remote communities and provide clinical mentorship and expertise.…”

A Delphi study to validate an Advanced Practice Nursing tool

“…This ambiguity has led to an identity crisis in nursing (Castledine 1994), with terms such as ‘extended role’ and ‘expert practice’ failing to differentiate the myriad APN roles and titles. As clarity in role definition for the nurse practitioner (NP) becomes established internationally (Furlong & Smith 2005, Gardner et al. 2004, Stanley 2009), service managers are seeking guidance to determine the service potential of other APN roles.…”

“…Developments in the delineation of the NP role (Gardner et al. 2004, Stanley 2009) have led in several countries to consensus on the definition of a NP and, in some countries to development of practice standards (Gardner et al. 2004, College of Nurses of Ontario 2009).…”

The status of Australian nurse practitioners: the first national census

“…1 This was an important first step in ensuring that the nascent, state-by-state-level development of the nurse practitioner role proceeded within a nationally agreed framework for education and practice. The inception of the Australian Nurse Practitioner Association (now the Australian College of Nurse Practitioners) 2 followed soon after, as a national-level, coordinated organisation to support clinician networks and provide an authoritative voice to advise government policy at Commonwealth and state levels.…”