Ms Anne Wallace1
1Department of Health, Hobart, Australia
Abstract
Advanced Nursing Practice is increasingly being recognised as a support for new models of care and new ways of working. So, what is it exactly and why do we generally hear so little about this level of practice?
Until recently the term had a variety of meanings and has been used to describe specific roles rather than a level of practice. The growing confusion and lack of clarity posed a risk for it to be underutilised. Without clarity, nurses could not be sure how they would practice at this level, and it posed a barrier for managers to incorporate this level of practice into workforce models and new ways of working.
The Strong model describes the components of advanced nursing practice as direct comprehensive care, education, research, publication and professional leadership, and support of systems. These components enable the Registered Nurse to practise at the full capacity for the registered nurse scope.
The Office of the Chief Nurse and Midwife is collaborating with the Tasmanian Health Service to identify and better utilise advanced nursing practice to support innovative workforce models.
The opportunity for nurses to work at full scope of practice can result in improved job satisfaction, new career options and provide improved workforce mobility and flexibility.
This presentation details the scope of advanced nursing practice and provides information on a new Tasmanian framework developed to identify advanced nursing practice, and options for introducing this level of practice into established workforces to support new models of care.
Biography:
Anne is an Assistant Director of Nursing with the Office of the Chief Nurse and Midwife. Anne has a strong interest in workforce strategy and new ways of working.
When not at work, Anne enjoys spending time outdoors with her partner and their two border collies.