La Enfermera de Práctica Avanzada y su desarrollo en el Sistema Nacional de Salud

Abstract

The roles of the Advanced Practice Nurse are gradually being defined in many countries, albeit with notable differences in their functions. To facilitate understanding, the International Council of Nurses defines it as: "A registered nurse who has acquired the expert knowledge base, complex decision-making abilities, and clinical competencies necessary for extended professional practice, whose characteristics are given by the context or the country in which the nurse is credentialed to practice. An undergraduate degree level is recommended as the entry-level."

Thus, the Advanced Practice Nurse is an expert nurse capable of applying scientific learning within a humanistic framework, serving as a reference for patients and other professionals, and taking on new responsibilities. The various functions that have been performed and continue to be performed in the nursing profession, as well as the growing demand for quality care in our society and the technological advances that are made, make the nursing professional aware of the specific needs for training.

Progressively, this figure has expanded to countries such as the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, Belgium, the Netherlands, and other European countries. The trajectory is short in Spain, although some advanced practice roles have been developing in Andalusia, Catalonia, or the Basque Country. Several Autonomous Communities have been refining the profile of this figure. Still, the lack of institutional support and legal recognition leads to confusion about its role, competency development, and legal framework.