Nursing Specialization in New South Wales, Australia

Abstract

SPECIALIZATION IN NURSING is a phenomenon that occurs worldwide. In New South Wales, Australia, the positions of clinical nurse specialist (CNS) and clinical nurse consultant (CNC) were formally established only in the last decade. How these positions developed and the responses to the roles are considered in this article. In 1990/1991, we surveyed 568 specialist nurses (CNSs and CNCs) working in the Sydney metropolitan area to identify their perceptions of what they ought to be doing and what they were actually doing in the performance of their roles. The results revealed discrepancies in perceptions of the potential role and the actual role. Comments indicated the challenging nature of the roles and thematic analysis of the comments identified problem areas related to role performance, such as workload and role conflict. Further research should be undertaken to explore the origins of role expectations and current role satisfaction.

Advanced nursing roles: A systematic review

“…A notable result is the data analyses' revelation that APN involvement in research remains low to non‐existent (McFadden & Miller, 1994; Appel et al ., 1996; Dawson & Benson, 1997; Dawson & McEwen, 2005; Woodward et al ., 2006; O'Baugh et al ., 2007), although research culture is generally identified as important (Jinks & Chalder, 2007), even an expectation of the APN role (Dawson & Spence, 2001). An auspicious fact regarding the research domain is the advanced practice nurse's enthusiasm and commitment to generating new evidence related to practice (Jinks & Chalder, 2007; Dawson & Coombs, 2008).…”

“…The organizational challenges ( n = 22), rising from the newness of the APN role, lack of role clarity, healthcare system challenges, and lack of management support and recognition, were often recognized to be aggravating APN role implementation. The APN role is recognized to be still evolving (Appel et al ., 1996; Woodward et al ., 2006; Jinks & Chalder, 2007; O'Connor & Chapman, 2008), especially in the UK and Australia. In many cases, people do not know what advanced practice nurses do (McFadden & Miller, 1994; Wood et al ., 1996; Chevalier et al ., 2006).…”

The Development of Advanced Nursing Practice Globally

“…The first APN program was introduced in New South Wales in 1990 where APNs are prepared under the work titles of CNSs (Appel, Malcolm, & Nahas, 1996) and NPs (Professional News, 1999). New South Wales has successfully established evidence and won the support of the government in introducing accreditation for these NPs (Professional News, 1999).…”

Clinical nurse research consultant: a clinical and academic role to advance practice and the discipline of nursing

“…A PhD prepared CNRC will assist in overcoming some major barriers that has an impact on a nurse’s capacity to engage in research and translate findings into clinical practice. At present, many Australian CNCs or educators have insufficient research training to conduct independent research because appointments have been based on clinical skills and experience rather than educational preparation (Appel et al. 1996).…”