The journey from nurse to advanced nurse practitioner: Applying concepts of role transitioning

Lisa Kerr, Ann MacAskill

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

9 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

The advanced nurse practitioner (ANP) role was established in Ireland in 2001 and represents an important nursing role development within Irish healthcare. Currently there are 336 ANPs registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland, working across 40 specialties. This number is increasing exponentially in response to emerging and anticipated future service needs and population demand projecting to a critical mass of 750 by 2021. Health service provision is enhanced by advanced practice performance outcomes. This article explores nurse to advanced nurse practitioner transitional journeys, a concept that has not previously been researched in depth from an Irish perspective. The theories of Benner, Woods, and Bourdieu are reviewed to explore whether an advance practice career trajectory results in unique nurse-to-ANP role transitioning. Contextualising possible personal, professional and educational transitions may enable the promotion of effective career 'scaffolding' to enhance a smooth transition for aspiring ANPs into advanced nursing practice roles.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)561-565
Number of pages5
JournalBritish Journal of Nursing
Volume29
Issue number10
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 28 May 2020

Keywords

  • Advanced nurse practitioner (ANP)
  • Advanced nursing practice
  • Advanced practice nurse
  • Candidate advanced nurse practitioner (cANP)
  • Ireland
  • Professional identity
  • Role transitioning

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