An earlier paper identified six inter-related issues influencing
the development, implementation, and evaluation of
APN roles (Bryant-Lukosius et al. 2004). Recommendations
for improving the introduction of APN roles include the need
for a collaborative, systematic and evidence-based process
designed to:
• provide sufficient data to support the need and identify
goals for a clearly-defined role;
• support the development of a nursing orientation to practice
characterized by patient-centred, health-focused and
holistic care;
• promote full use of APN knowledge, skills and expertise in
all role domains;
• create environments that support APN role development
within the health care team, practice setting and broader
health care system; and
• provide ongoing and rigorous evaluation of APN roles
related to predetermined outcome-based goals.