Developing the scope of practice and education for advanced practice nurses in Finland.

摘要

BACKGROUND: The reorganization of Finnish healthcare services has required a restructuring of the areas of responsibility between healthcare professionals. AIM: To describe the need for Advanced Practice Nurses in Finland and the development process of a Master's programme in Health Promotion, Advanced Clinical Care. METHODS: The study consisted of a survey of nurse managers (24) and focus group interviews with clinical nurse specialists (46). FINDINGS: The expanded role includes advanced clinical skills and responsibility for health prevention and promotion, education, supervision, leadership, research and development. CONCLUSIONS: The legislation, scope and models have to be supported and further developed to promote the full scope of advanced practice.